Norbert is a name of German origin, derived from the Germanic words "north" and "bright". It means "famous throughout the land," or "illustrious fame." The name has been used for centuries in various European countries, particularly in Germany, France, and Belgium.
The name Norbert first gained prominence through Saint Norbert, born in 1080 in Xanten, Germany. He was a prominent Catholic bishop and founder of the Premonstratensian order, which emphasized asceticism and learning. Saint Norbert is often depicted with a collar of stars, symbolizing his constancy and purity.
In literature, one notable figure named Norbert is the protagonist of "The Brothers Karamazov" by Fyodor Dostoevsky. In this novel, Norbert represents the idealistic, yet troubled younger brother who eventually joins a monastery.
Today, Norbert remains a relatively uncommon name but continues to be used in various parts of the world, especially among families with German or French heritage. It is often shortened to Nora or Norrie as a nickname. While it may not have the same level of popularity as some other names, its rich history and unique meaning make it a distinctive choice for parents looking for something different yet meaningful.
The name Norbert experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. Initially, there were fewer than ten births per year from 1885 to 1904. However, starting in 1905, there was a notable increase, with over 20 births per year until 1933. The peak occurred in 1922 with 628 births. After that, the number of births steadily declined, reaching an all-time low of five births in 2016. In recent years, the popularity of the name Norbert has remained quite low, with fewer than ten births per year since 2007. Overall, there were a total of 20361 births named Norbert from 1885 to 2023.