The name Robert is of Germanic origin and is derived from the Old Germanic elements "hrod" meaning "fame" or "renown" and "bern" meaning "bear". The name was popular among the Merovingian kings of France, with the first recorded usage being by Charlemagne's father, King Pepin the Short. Throughout history, several prominent figures have borne the name Robert, including Robert the Bruce, king of Scotland; Robertaccio degli Ubaldini, a Florentine nobleman and friend of Dante Alighieri; and Robert Hooke, an English scientist and architect known for his contributions to microscopy.
The name Robert has been popular throughout many centuries in various European countries. In France, it was one of the most common names during the Middle Ages, while in England, its popularity grew significantly following the Norman Conquest in 1066. Today, Robert remains a classic and timeless name with enduring appeal.
In literature and arts, the name Robert has been used by numerous authors and artists as characters in their works. Some notable examples include Robert Browning, an English poet; Robert Louis Stevenson, author of "Treasure Island" and "The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde"; and the fictional character Robert Langdon from Dan Brown's novel "The Da Vinci Code".
Overall, the name Robert is steeped in history and has been worn by many notable figures throughout time. Its Germanic origins give it a strong and powerful sound, while its enduring popularity makes it a classic choice for parents seeking a timeless name for their child.
The given statistics show the annual number of births with the name Robert in the United States from 1880 to 2023. The data provides insights into the popularity and trend of this name over time.
From 1880 to around 1960, the number of babies named Robert varied between single digits to triple digits. The decade starting from the late 1950s saw a significant increase in popularity, with the highest point reaching 335 births in 1969.
However, after 1970, there was a gradual decline in the number of babies named Robert. By the year 2000, this figure had fallen to double digits, indicating that while still popular, the name Robert was no longer as prevalent as it once was.
The most recent data from 2019 to 2023 shows a consistent trend with around 6 births per year, indicating that the name Robert continues to be chosen by parents for their newborns but at a much lower rate compared to its peak in popularity.