Gudrun is a female given name of Norse origin. It is used primarily in Scandinavian and German-speaking regions, and may appear in literature or modern contexts as a proper noun. The pronunciation emphasizes a two-syllable structure with a clear initial consonant and a rounded, back vowel, followed by a shorter final syllable.
"Gudrun is often cited in Nordic sagas and folklore."
"The linguist compared Gudrun to other Norse names in the study."
"A contemporary author named a character Gudrun in the novel."
"During the conference, she introduced herself as Gudrun."
Gudrun is of Old Norse origin, composed of the elements guth- (meaning “god” or “battle”) and -rún (meaning “secret lore,” “magic,” or “rune”). The name reflects Norse naming traditions that pair powerful or protective concepts with magical or wise imagery. Its usage is attested in medieval Norse sagas and literature, where Gudrun (also Gudrún in Icelandic) appears as a prominent female figure. Over time, Glacially influenced German and Scandinavian languages adapted the name with minor phonetic changes, but the core elements remained recognizable. In modern times, Gudrun has become a recognizable given name across parts of Northern Europe and has appeared in translations and adaptations of Norse myths. First known usages appear in medieval texts such as the Poetic Edda and various saga manuscripts, where it is a standard feminine given name rather than a common noun. The name carried prestige and symbolic weight, often associated with mythic lineage and cultural heritage.
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Words that rhyme with "Gudrun"
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Gudrun is pronounced with a stress on the first syllable: GUHD-ruhn. In IPA: US/UK: ˈɡuːd.rʌn. The first syllable uses a long 'oo' vowel similar to 'goose' or 'food', and the second syllable has a short, centralized 'uh' sound followed by 'n'. In careful speech you might hear a mild linking between the syllables: ˈɡuːd.rʌn, with the r being a gentle American/UK rhotic tap. Audio references: you can listen for Gudrun on Forvo or pronunciation videos labeled with Norse names.
Common errors include: (1) Misplacing the long vowel in the first syllable, producing a short 'goo' sound as in 'good' rather than a prolonged 'oo' as in 'goose'—aim for ˈɡuːd. (2) Mispronouncing the second syllable as a full 'druhn' with a strong 'r' or an extra vowel; keep it short and clipped: rʌn. (3) Non-native speakers may insert a vowel between syllables or misread the r as a rolled /r/; keep a light rhotic touch and avoid extra syllables.
In US English, Gudrun typically uses a rhotic 'r' in the second syllable and a bright long /uː/ in the first: ˈɡuːd.rʌn. In UK English, the first syllable remains /ˈɡuːd/ but the second syllable often uses a schwa-like or reduced vowel with non-rhotic tendencies in some speakers, so it can feel like ˈɡuː.drən. In Australian English, you may hear a slightly lower back vowel in the first syllable and a softer 'r' or even non-rhotic completion; many Australians articulate Gudrun as ˈɡʌː.dɹən or similar, with a rolled or tapped final /n/.
Gudrun presents challenges from its two-syllable structure and vowel contrast: the first syllable uses a long fronted back vowel /uː/ that can be mispronounced as /ʊ/ or /ɜː/ by non-natives, and the second syllable contains a short /ʌ/ or /ɜ/ depending on accent, followed by /n/ without a vowel. The consonant cluster /d.r/ can blur; maintain a crisp /d/ and light /r/ transition. Additionally, maintaining clear stress on the first syllable without rushing the second is essential.
Gudrun often carries a mythic or Nordic weight; the name has two consonant clusters within two syllables (/ɡ/ + /d/ and /dr/). The critical nuance is to deliver a clean stop on /d/ then a light, compact /r/ transition into /ʌ/; avoid an intrusive vowel between /d/ and /r/ and resist turning /r/ into a hard American rhotic roll. Emphasize the two-syllable boundary while keeping the overall flow natural and steady.
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