The nameRobert
Robert is a boy's name of Germanic origin meaning "bright fame". It was the most popular boys' name in the United States for many years between 1924 and 1953.
- Boy's name
- Germanic
- Feast day
Meaning
Robert comes from the Germanic Hrodebert, made of hrod, "fame, glory", and berht, "bright": "bright fame".
Origin
Germanic, through Norman French. The Normans brought it to England in the 11th century.
History
Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, won independence at Bannockburn in 1314. In the United States, Robert was the top boys' name in 17 years between 1924 and 1953. Bob, Bobby, Rob and Bert are its short forms.
Did you know?
- Robert Burns wrote the words of Auld Lang Syne, sung around the world at New Year.
- Robert Doisneau took his famous photograph The Kiss by the Hôtel de Ville in 1950.
- Robert Badinter, as French justice minister, had the death penalty abolished in France in 1981.
Famous people named Robert
- Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland
- Robert Burns, poet
- Robert De Niro, actor
- Robert F. Kennedy, politician
Popularity of the name Robert
Robert in the United States
Robert was most popular in the United States in the 1950s, with 832,591 births over the decade, 17% of all recorded babies named Robert. Its rise began around 1912, and it peaked in 1947. Half of all babies named Robert in the United States were born before 1952, although it is popular again today. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 4,106 births a year on average, against 5,552 in the five years before.
Robert in the United Kingdom
Robert was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2000s, with 12,905 births over the decade, 42% of all recorded babies named Robert. Half of all babies named Robert in the United Kingdom were born before 2005, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 437 births a year on average, against 646 in the five years before.
Robert in Ireland
Robert in France
Robert in Belgium
Robert in Switzerland
Robert in Austria
Robert in Norway
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Robert
Names from the same generation as Robert, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Robert? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Robert with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Robert side by side with the name of your choice.
Robert in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Robert mean?
Robert comes from the Germanic Hrodebert, made of hrod, "fame, glory", and berht, "bright": "bright fame".
What is the origin of the name Robert?
Germanic, through Norman French. The Normans brought it to England in the 11th century.
Is Robert a girl's or a boy's name?
Robert is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Robert?
In 2024, Robert was the 90th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 3,785 births.
What are the variants of the name Robert?
Variants and related names of Robert include Bobby, Roberte, Roberto, Robin, Robinson, Robyn and Rupert.
What are good sibling names for Robert?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Anna, Julia, Maria and Mary for a sister, Richard, Carlos, Luis and Jordan for a brother.
Who are famous people named Robert?
Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland; Robert Burns, poet; Robert De Niro, actor; Robert F. Kennedy, politician.