Meaning, origin, history
Gilbert is a masculine given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German words "gil" meaning " Bright," and "berht" meaning " Famous." The name Gilbert means "Bright Fame" or "Bright Warrior."
The name Gilbert has been in use since the Middle Ages. It was popular among the Normans who brought it to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Some notable figures from history with the name Gilbert include:
* Saint Gilbert of Sempringham (c. 1085-1189), an English abbot and founder of the first monastery in England.
* Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834), a French military officer who played a significant role in the American Revolution.
The name Gilbert has also been used by several monarchs in Europe. For example, Gilbert was the given name of two counts of Flanders, including Gilbert I (d. 1061) and Gilbert II "the Blind" (d. 1117).
Today, Gilbert is still a popular name for boys, especially in France, Belgium, and English-speaking countries like the United States and Canada. It has been consistently ranked among the top 1000 names for boys since the early 20th century.
Overall, the name Gilbert is a classic choice with a rich history and a meaningful meaning that conveys brightness and fame.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Gilbert since 1880
Total births
673
Total since 1880
Peak year
1930
19 births
in 1991
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years