The name Trudy is a feminine given name that originated as a diminutive or pet form of the name Gertrude. Gertrude is derived from the Germanic elements "ger" meaning "spear" and "thrud" meaning "strength." The name was introduced into English use during the Middle Ages, with records of its use dating back to the 12th century.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name Trudy was Trudy of Bavaria, a 13th-century German noblewoman who served as a lady-in-waiting to the Holy Roman Empress. In the 14th century, the name was recorded in the form "Trudeken" in the Berne Shrovetide play, a historical Swiss drama depicting the life of Christ.

The name gained popularity in England during the Tudor period, with a notable bearer being Trudy Howard, a member of the powerful Howard family who lived during the reign of King Henry VIII in the 16th century. Another prominent figure was Trudy Ascham, an English scholar and tutor to Queen Elizabeth I, born in 1515.

In the 17th century, the name was found in various literary works, including the plays of William Shakespeare, where it was spelled as "Trud" or "Trudchen." One of Shakespeare's characters, Trud, appeared in the play "The Merry Wives of Windsor."

During the 18th century, the name was popular among the Quaker community in England and the United States. Trudy Pemberton, born in 1737, was a prominent Quaker minister and abolitionist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In the 19th century, the name was still in use, with one notable bearer being Trudy Nightingale, a British social reformer and the founder of modern nursing, born in 1820. Another was Trudy Garrett Anderson, a pioneering English physician and feminist, born in 1836.

Throughout history, the name Trudy has been borne by various individuals from different walks of life, including writers, artists, and political figures. It is a name with a rich heritage and a strong connection to its Germanic roots, reflecting strength and resilience.