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.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Norbert in the United States:
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of babies named Norbert fluctuated annually. For example, between 1885 and 1894, there were 6 to 18 births each year. However, as time progressed, the popularity of the name increased dramatically.
From 1912 onwards, we see a significant rise in the number of babies named Norbert. In 1912, there were 126 births, which then jumped to 204 births in 1913 and reached an all-time high of 577 births in 1921.
This trend continued until around 1930 when the popularity of the name began to decline. Between 1931 and 1968, the number of babies named Norbert fluctuated between 470 and 64 births annually.
After a brief period of stability in the late 1960s, the number of newborns named Norbert started to decrease significantly. From 1969 onwards, there were fewer than 100 births per year for this name, with a notable dip to just 7 births in both 2012 and 2013.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Norbert has remained low but stable, with around 5 to 17 births annually between 2014 and 2022. In total, there have been 20,361 babies named Norbert born in the United States since 1885.