Gunnar

Meaning: (Lighter, Battler, Warrior, Fight, Army, Battle Strong, Derived from the Old Norse Gunnarr, which is from the word Gunnr (War, Strife, Battle). The name Gunnar was borne by several interesting characters in Norse Legend, one of whom was the son of Giuki and Grimhild. He was the brother of Gudrun and the husband of Brynhild. Also known as 'Roland.' The name Gunnar means fighter, soldier, and attacker, but mostly is referred to by the Viking saying which means Brave and Bold warrior (gunnr "war" and arr "warrior").)

Origin: (Norse, Scandinavian, Swedish, Danish, Norse Mythology, German)

Pronunciation: (GOO-nar, GOON-ar, GUW-N-er, GAHN- aaR, GUH-ner)

Gender: Male

I was reading a novel called, “Listen for the Whisperer” by Phyllis A. Whitney last month and the main male character was named Gunnar. I came to like the name a lot and I had no problems with pronunciation at all. I immediately knew it as GOO-nar. Americans may hear this as GUH-ner though but I prefer the correct pronunciation as it sounds much better and stronger. GUH-ner sounds like GUN-er and thus excuse me sounds a tad bit redneck like.

The meanings are strong and this strikes me as such a masculine brave name even had I not known the meanings. It has a nice old history of use and I do love Viking names. All in all I love it and would love to see this name used a bit more often.