Robert
Robert is a boy's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Bright fame or famous victory.
Origin and history
Robert is derived from the Old High German name Hrodebert, combining elements meaning bright and fame. It was introduced to Britain by the Normans and became one of the most enduring masculine names in the English-speaking world. Though its popularity peaked in the mid-20th century, it remains a classic, widely recognized staple in the United States.
Popularity in the United States
4,849,730 babies in the United States have been named Robert since 1880. It ranks #3 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #85.
States where it is most popular
- NY (9.3 %)
- PA (7.4 %)
- CA (7.4 %)
- OH (5.9 %)
- IL (5.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 24,074 |
| 1890-1900 | 26,147 |
| 1900-1910 | 35,849 |
| 1910-1920 | 239,185 |
| 1920-1930 | 576,374 |
| 1930-1940 | 590,810 |
| 1940-1950 | 758,126 |
| 1950-1960 | 830,395 |
| 1960-1970 | 650,786 |
| 1970-1980 | 397,225 |
| 1980-1990 | 321,655 |
| 1990-2000 | 205,459 |
| 2000-2010 | 106,666 |
| 2010-2019 | 62,654 |
| 2020-2029 | 24,325 |
Famous people named Robert
- Robert Frost: poet, writer
- Robert De Niro: actor, producer
- Robert Downey Jr.: actor
Nicknames
Rob, Robbie, Bobby, Bob, Bert
Fun facts
- The name was brought to England by the Normans, quickly replacing the Old English cognate Seaxbeorht.
- Robert was borne by several medieval kings of Scotland, including Robert the Bruce.