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Albert

♂ Boy

Pronounced AL-bert /ˈæl.bərt/High

Meaning: From Old High German Adalbert, composed of adal ('noble,' 'of noble birth') and beraht ('bright,' 'shining'), meaning 'noble and bright' or 'brilliantly noble'High

In 30 seconds: Albert means 'noble and bright' — a Germanic classic borne by kings, a patron saint of scientists, and Albert Einstein. Solid, distinguished, and warmly reviving.
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Origin HighGermanic, Old French
MeaningFrom Old High German Adalbert, composed of adal ('noble,' 'of noble birth') and beraht ('bright,' 'shining'), meaning 'noble and bright' or 'brilliantly noble'
U.S. rank (2025)#614 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births461 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1921
Total births (all-time)≈ 491,852

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192118802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Albert derives from Old High German Adalbert or Aethelbeorht, combining adal ('noble') and beraht ('bright'). It was borne by Saint Adalbert of Prague (956–997) and spread through medieval Europe via royal patronage. It became extremely popular in Britain following Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1819–1861), consort of Queen Victoria.

Albert was a top-10 boys' name in the United States from the 1880s through the 1920s. It declined in the mid-20th century but is now firmly in a vintage revival alongside other Al- names. Albert Einstein (1879–1955), Prince Albert, and King Albert have kept the name in strong cultural consciousness.

Did you know? Albert Einstein chose to be a citizen of the United States in 1940 — and is the most famous Albert in history — but the name's scientific legacy actually predates him: Saint Albert the Great (Albertus Magnus, 1193–1280) was the patron saint of scientists nearly seven centuries earlier.
Overall data confidence 97%
Behind the Name — Albert — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AlbertoAdelbertAlBert

Nicknames

AlBertAlbie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Albert Einstein (1879–1955)
    German-born theoretical physicist, developer of the theory of relativity and Nobel Prize winner.
  • ★Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1819–1861)
    Consort of Queen Victoria, whose popularity drove the name to its Victorian peak.

If you like Albert…

Arthur— vintage Germanic boys' name with the same dignified, reviving classic character
Alfred— Old English noble name with the same al- beginning and vintage-revival energy
Walter— Germanic two-syllable classic with the same solid, distinguished grandfather-name appeal
Eugene— French-Greek classic with the same understated Victorian-era nobility

Frequently Asked

What does the name Albert mean?

Albert comes from Old High German Adalbert meaning 'noble and bright,' combining adal (noble) and beraht (bright).

How do you pronounce Albert?

It is said AL-bert — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Albert a boy or girl name?

Albert is used almost exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Albert?

Albert was a top-10 U.S. name in the early 20th century and is now in a strong vintage revival, ranking in the top 400.