Gertrude means "spear of strength", derived from the Germanic elements ger "spear" and thrud "strength". Saint Gertrude the Great was a 13th-century nun and mystic writer. It was probably introduced to England by settlers from the Low Countries in the 15th century. Shakespeare used the name in his play 'Hamlet' (1600) for the mother of the title character.
English/Dutch female name.
Saintly namesake: Gertrude the Great was a 14th-century German mystic and Benedictine nun, known for her deep spirituality and influential writings. One of several saints named Gertrude. (November 16 · 14th century)
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