Gudrun

Gudrun is a feminine given name of Old Norse origin, derived from Guðrún, with the elements guð meaning "god" and rún meaning "secret lore" or "rune." The name has several spellings, including Guðrún, Gudrún, and Gudrun, and is used in Scandinavia, Iceland, Germany, and other regions with Norse cultural influence.

In Norse myth and medieval literature, Guðrún is a prominent figure associated with the legendary cycles surrounding the Völsungs. The name appears in the Völsunga saga and is expanded in the later Icelandic Poem of Guðrún (Guðrúnar), a 13th‑century retelling of the Burgundian and Völsung narratives. Guðrún’s character is central to themes of marriage, loyalty, treachery, vengeance, and the tragic consequences that unfold for her family and loved ones. The Guðrún narratives influenced later European adaptations of the Burgundian/Nibelung story and remain a reference point in discussions of Norse legendary poetry and saga literature.

Today, Gudrun continues to be used as a given name in Iceland, the Nordic countries, and German-speaking areas, often chosen for its classical, mythic associations. It remains a recognizable alternative to other forms of the name Guðrún in modern texts and media.