Gerhard

Gerhard is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. It derives from the elements ger, meaning spear, and hard, meaning brave or hardy. The name was common in medieval German-speaking areas and later spread to neighboring regions, where it became established in various languages.

Variants include Gerhart and Gerhardt; cognates include Gerard in English and French Gérard. In Dutch, Gerard is common. The name is also the basis for other forms such as Gerardo in Spanish and Italian, and Gerd as a nickname.

Notable people named Gerhard include Gerhard Schröder, a German politician who served as chancellor from 1998 to 2005; Gerhard Richter, a German painter known for both abstract and photo-based works; Gerhard Domagk, a German pathologist and Nobel laureate; Gerhard Ertl, a German physicist and Nobel laureate; and Gerhard Herzberg, a German-Canadian chemist and Nobel laureate.

In modern times the name remains most common in German-speaking countries and parts of Northern Europe, though it appears in various forms across Europe. It is often chosen for its historical associations with strength and steadfastness.