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Robert

♂ Boy

Pronounced ROB-urt /ˈrɒb.ɚt/High

Meaning: Bright fame; shining with glory — from Old High German Hrodebert, composed of hrod (fame) + beraht (bright)High

In 30 seconds: A Germanic classic meaning 'bright fame,' Robert has been one of the most popular names in English-speaking countries for centuries, borne by kings, poets, and scientists alike.
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Origin HighOld High German
MeaningBright fame; shining with glory — from Old High German Hrodebert, composed of hrod (fame) + beraht (bright)
Peak year1947
Total births (all-time)≈ 4,814,815

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 194718802017

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

History & Origin

Robert derives from the Old High German Hrodebert, composed of hrod (fame, glory) and beraht (bright, shining). The name was brought to England by the Normans and became enormously popular.

Robert was the most common boys' name in the United States for much of the early 20th century, ranking number one from the 1920s through the 1950s. Though it has fallen in rank, it remains a perennial top-100 name.

Did you know? Robert the Bruce (1274–1329), King of Scotland, secured Scottish independence at the Battle of Bannockburn — one of the most celebrated bearers of any name in British history.

Variations

RobertoRupertRobinBert

Nicknames

RobBobBobbyRobbie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Robert the Bruce (1274–1329)
    King of Scotland who secured Scottish independence at the Battle of Bannockburn (1314).
  • ★Robert Frost (1874–1963)
    American poet, four-time Pulitzer Prize winner, known for The Road Not Taken.

If you like Robert…

William— the other dominant Norman conquest name with the same centuries of royalty
Richard— Old High German royal classic with the same medieval English ubiquity
James— Biblical surname classic that shared the top with Robert for generations
Edward— Old English royal name with the same dignified, time-tested character

Frequently Asked

What does the name Robert mean?

Robert comes from Old High German Hrodebert, meaning 'bright fame,' from hrod (fame) and beraht (bright).

How do you pronounce Robert?

It is said ROB-urt /ˈrɒb.ɚt/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Robert a boy or girl name?

Robert is used almost exclusively as a boy's name; Roberta and Robin are the main feminine forms.

How popular is Robert?

Robert was the most popular U.S. boys' name from the 1920s through the 1950s and remains a top-100 name today.