All about the name

Herbie

Male

« Herbert is an historic male given name of Germanic origin, combining 'hari' meaning 'army' with 'berht', signifying 'bright' or 'famous'. It implies being a brilliant warrior. »

#4722 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Herbert is a classic male given name of Germanic origin. It is composed of two elements: "hari" meaning "army" and "berht" which means "bright" or "famous". Thus, the name Herbert implies that its bearer is a bright and famous warrior. The use of the name Herbert can be traced back to medieval times in Europe. It was particularly popular among Germanic tribes such as the Saxons and the Franks. Over time, the name spread throughout Europe, with variations appearing in different languages. For instance, it became Hubert in France, Hubertus in Germany, and Alberto in Italy. Herbert has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history. One of the most famous was Saint Hubert, a Belgian bishop who lived in the seventh century. He is the patron saint of hunters and is often depicted with a dog and a cross. Another notable bearer of the name was Herbert Spencer, an English philosopher who coined the term "survival of the fittest". In popular culture, the name Herbert has been used in various ways. It was the name of the main character in the 1968 film "The Love Bug", which featured a sentient Volkswagen Beetle named Herbie. The name has also appeared in literature, most notably as the protagonist's last name in Vladimir Nabokov's novel "Lolita". Today, Herbert is still used as a given name, although it is not as popular as it once was. It is often associated with older generations, but some parents still choose it for their sons as a nod to its rich history and meaningful origin. Overall, the name Herbert carries a sense of tradition and dignity, reflecting its ancient roots and notable bearers throughout history.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Herbie since 1880

Total births
1,094
Total since 1880
Peak year
1959
45 births
in 2007
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years