Gilbert
Gilbert is a boy's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Bright pledge or bright hostage.
Origin and history
Gilbert is a classic masculine name derived from Germanic elements meaning 'bright pledge'. Introduced to England by the Normans, it became popular throughout the Middle Ages and remained a steadfast classic in the U.S. during the 20th century. Although its usage has declined in recent years, it retains a traditional, vintage charm.
Popularity in the United States
130,148 babies in the United States have been named Gilbert since 1880. It ranks #257 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1109.
States where it is most popular
- CA (17 %)
- TX (15 %)
- NY (7.1 %)
- IL (4.1 %)
- PA (4.1 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 957 |
| 1890-1900 | 1,215 |
| 1900-1910 | 1,822 |
| 1910-1920 | 10,791 |
| 1920-1930 | 18,233 |
| 1930-1940 | 17,746 |
| 1940-1950 | 17,353 |
| 1950-1960 | 18,852 |
| 1960-1970 | 14,426 |
| 1970-1980 | 9,065 |
| 1980-1990 | 7,575 |
| 1990-2000 | 5,420 |
| 2000-2010 | 3,614 |
| 2010-2019 | 2,139 |
| 2020-2029 | 940 |
Famous people named Gilbert
- Gilbert Gottfried: Comedian, Actor
- Gilbert Arenas: Basketball Player
- Gilbert Stuart: Painter
Nicknames
Gil, Gib
Fun facts
- The name was brought to England by Norman settlers in the 11th century and quickly became popular.
- It is widely recognized through the Victorian-era theatrical partnership of dramatist W. S. Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan.