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 name Robert experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it maintained a relatively steady level of around 10-20 births per year. However, from the mid-20s to the mid-30s, there was a substantial increase, reaching as high as 441 births in 1928. This trend continued into the post-WWII era, peaking at 335 births in 1969. After that point, popularity declined sharply, dropping below 100 births per year by the late 70s and continuing to decrease steadily until reaching a low of 6 births in recent years (2019, 2022, 2023). Overall, there were 20,117 births with the name Robert between 1880 and 2023.