Albert is a classic male given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old High German elements adal, meaning "noble," and beraht, which translates to "bright" or "famous." Therefore, the name Albert signifies nobility and brightness, suggesting that it has been chosen for its positive connotations throughout history.
The name Albert first appeared in England during the late Middle Ages. It is believed to have been introduced by French-speaking noblemen who brought the name with them as they settled in Britain after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Initially, Albert was used primarily among the upper classes, reflecting its Germanic origins and noble meaning.
Over time, the name Albert spread beyond England's borders and became popular throughout Europe. In Germany, for instance, Albert was a particularly common choice during the late Middle Ages and early modern period. This can be attributed to several German royals who bore the name, including Albert I of Germany (1828-1906), who played a significant role in unifying Germany.
In literature and arts, the name Albert has been used by various authors and artists as a character's name throughout history. Some notable examples include Charles Dickens' character Mr. Gradgrind from his novel "Hard Times," and Albert Einstein, the renowned physicist whose first name contributed to popularizing the name in the 20th century.
Overall, the name Albert has a rich historical background and an appealing meaning that makes it an attractive choice for parents seeking a timeless and meaningful name for their child. Despite its age, Albert remains widely used today, appearing regularly on baby name lists around the world.
The name Albert experienced varying popularity over time, with a significant increase in the early 20th century. From the late 19th century until around 1913, fewer than 20 births per year were recorded, peaking at just 22 births in 1894. However, starting from 1913, there was a notable surge, with more than 25 births annually reported for several years, reaching an all-time high of 66 births in 1925. The popularity of the name Albert then began to decline gradually, with fewer than 20 births per year recorded from the mid-1930s onwards. By the late 20th century and early 21st century, the name's popularity had significantly decreased, with fewer than 10 births reported annually since 1981. In total, there were 2559 births registered with the name Albert between 1882 and 2004.