Name day
Gertrude: Name Day and Patron Saint
Gertrude keeps the name day on 17 March, or 30 March on the Old Calendar: the feast of St Gertrude of Nivelles.
- Patron saint
- St Gertrude of Nivelles
- New Calendar
- 17 March
- Old Calendar
- 30 March
- Next name day
- 17 March 2027 (New Calendar) · 30 March 2027 (Old Calendar)
- In the feast calendar
- The feasts of March
The patron saint: St Gertrude of Nivelles
Kept on 17 March, or 30 March on the Old Calendar · Repose
St Gertrude was born around 626 into the leading Frankish family of her day, the daughter of Pepin of Landen and St Itta. When she was only about ten, the king offered her a politically advantageous marriage at her father’s table. The girl refused firmly before king and court, saying that Christ alone would be her Bridegroom, and she kept that vow all her life. After her father’s death, St Itta founded the monastery of Nivelles on the advice of St Amandus. Gertrude received monastic tonsure from her mother and became its first abbess. She governed with a wisdom beyond her years, loved learning, and welcomed traveling monks, especially the Irish missionaries, so that Nivelles became a haven of holiness. Worn out by fasting and vigils, she handed the abbey to her niece St Wulfetrude. She reposed on 17 March 659, at about thirty-three years of age, asking to be buried in a pilgrim’s old veil and her hair shirt. Orthodox Christians of the West honor her as a saint of the undivided Church.
What the faithful pray for
- a safe journey and safe return home
- protection at sea and in storms
- a fruitful garden
- the grace to keep a vow of dedication to Christ
- a generous and hospitable heart
- a peaceful Christian death
- relief for those suffering mental illness (Western usage)
Protection
- travelers from the dangers of the road and sea
- homes and fields from rats and mice (Western usage, from the 15th century)
- against plague (Western usage)
- from storms at sea
Miracles
- While St Gertrude stood in prayer at the altar of St Sixtus, a radiant sphere of light descended over her and lit the whole church for about half an hour. (source)
- Monks of her monastery, caught at sea by a violent storm and a sea monster, called on her prayers; at once the storm calmed and the creature sank back into the deep. (source)
- St Ultan foretold that she would repose on the feast of St Patrick, as she did; a heavenly fragrance came from her relics immediately after her repose. (source)
Gertrude in other languages
| Language | The name | Short forms |
|---|---|---|
| English | Gertrude, Gertrud, Gertruda | Trudy, Gertie, Trudie |
| German | Gertrud |
Icons of St Gertrude of Nivelles
Have it consecrated by our priest before it reaches you: Consecration, $49.
A name-day gift for Gertrude
Name-Day Gift Set $213$149
A patron saint's folding diptych chosen by first name, a stainless steel crucifix and a prayer rope, in a gift box with a card giving the saint's life and feast day.
St Gertrude of Nivelles's diptych is chosen and the name is filled in.
Other names with this saint
Questions
When is Gertrude’s name day?
Gertrude keeps the name day on 17 March on the New Calendar and on 30 March on the Old Calendar, the feast of St Gertrude of Nivelles.
Who is the patron saint of Gertrude?
St Gertrude of Nivelles. St Gertrude was born around 626 into the leading Frankish family of her day, the daughter of Pepin of Landen and St Itta.
What is a good name-day gift for Gertrude?
An icon of St Gertrude of Nivelles, the saint Gertrude bears: the St Gertrude of Nivelles & Guardian Angel Folding Diptych ($69), or the Name-Day Gift Set ($149) with that diptych, a crucifix and a prayer rope in a gift box.
More about name days
- Name Days Explained: What They Are, How Families Keep Them, and Gifts
A name day is the feast of the saint whose name you carry. Here is how to find yours on either calendar, how Greek and Russian families keep it, and what to give.
- Orthodox Patron Saint: How to Find Yours (by Name, Day or Choice)
Your Orthodox patron saint is the saint whose name you were given at baptism. Here is how to find yours by name, by the day of your birth or baptism, or by choice, and how to keep the name day.
- Find another name