The name Gerrit is a Dutch masculine given name derived from the Germanic name Gerhard, which is composed of the elements "gar" meaning "spear" and "hard" meaning "brave" or "hardy". The name was popular in the Netherlands during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods.

In its earliest recorded uses, the name Gerrit appeared in medieval Dutch records and documents dating back to the 12th century. It was a common name among the nobility and upper classes of the Low Countries, particularly in the provinces of Holland and Zeeland.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Gerrit was Gerrit van Voorburg, a Dutch military leader who lived in the 13th century. He played a significant role in the defense of the city of Delft during a conflict with the County of Holland.

Another notable figure was Gerrit Gerritsz, also known as Gerrit the Potter, a Dutch Renaissance painter and potter who lived from around 1465 to 1535. He is renowned for his intricate and detailed ceramic works, which are now considered important examples of Dutch Renaissance art.

In the 17th century, during the Dutch Golden Age, the name Gerrit was particularly popular among the wealthy merchant and trading classes. One famous bearer was Gerrit Dou, a Dutch Golden Age painter who lived from 1613 to 1675. He was renowned for his meticulously detailed and highly realistic genre scenes.

During the Dutch Reformation, the name was also prevalent among Protestant leaders and thinkers. Gerrit de Vries, a Dutch Protestant minister who lived from 1648 to 1720, was a prominent figure in the Calvinist church and played a significant role in the religious and political debates of his time.

Another notable figure was Gerrit Adriaensz Berckheyde, a Dutch Golden Age painter who lived from 1638 to 1698. He was known for his masterful depictions of architecture, cityscapes, and street scenes, capturing the bustling life of 17th-century Holland.

While the name Gerrit has remained popular in the Netherlands throughout its history, it has also gained recognition in other parts of the world, particularly among Dutch diaspora communities. Several prominent individuals with the name have made significant contributions in various fields, further adding to the rich history and legacy of this Dutch name.