Norbert is a male given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the two German elements "north" and "famous," which together mean "famous for his northern journey." The name was popularized by Saint Norbert, who was born in Xanten, Germany around 1080 AD. He later became a canon lawyer and eventually founded the Premonstratensian Order of canons regular. Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Norbert, including the French composer Norbertirot (c. 1657-1729) and the German-American theologian Norbert Hinske (born 1940). Today, Norbert remains a relatively uncommon but distinguished choice for baby boys.
The name Norbert has been used sparingly over the years in the United States, with only six babies receiving this name in 1929 according to annual statistics. This data suggests that the name Norbert was not highly popular during this specific time period, as it was given to less than seven newborns nationwide within a single year. Despite its limited usage, this statistic indicates that there is still some level of use for the name Norbert among parents choosing names for their children in the United States during this particular era.