Gilbert

“bright promise”

Germanic origin · Unisex name

♂ 99% boys♀ 1% girls

#963US 2023

1.2kBirths / yr

→Stable

130kAll-time births

📅 Since 190400

How to pronounce Gilbert

GILB·ert

/ˈɡɪlb.ɝt/ · stress on GILB · 2 syllables

“bright promise”

Germanic origin · Unisex name

What does Gilbert mean and where does it come from?

Gilbert traditionally is a male name derived from the Germanic name 'Gilberth', which means 'bright pledge' or 'shining pledge.' Though predominantly male, some parents have adapted the name for girls, especially in more contemporary naming trends. The name has notable historical figures, such as Gi

Cultural significance

Gilbert has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bright promise.

Peak popularity

Reached #1512 in 1904 — currently #963 in the US.

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How else can you spell Gilbert?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Guilbert

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Gilbert?

Gilbert works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Gilbert Grace

How popular is Gilbert right now?

Holding steady — currently #963 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#963 · Top 0.71%

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#963	1,237	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#968	1,217	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#973	1,187	▲ up 12007 · +23640% births
1990	#12980	5	▼ down 7291 · -58% births
1985	#5689	12	▲ up 1113 · +33% births
1980	#6802	9	▲ up 1202 · +50% births
1975	#8004	6	▼ down 920
1970	#7084	6	▼ down 1778 · -14% births
1965	#5306	7	▼ down 1594 · -42% births
1960	#3712	12	▲ up 1519 · +100% births
1955	#5231	6	▼ down 893 · -14% births
1950	#4338	7	▼ down 1183 · -22% births
1945	#3155	9	▲ up 723 · +50% births
1940	#3878	6	▼ down 1291 · -45% births
1935	#2587	11	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Gilbert

Best Year2023Rank #963

Peak Count1,237

Average Rank#4346

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202319 years

The story of Gilbert

Gilbert entered American naming records in 1904 and has been in use for over 120 years. More than 130,017 babies have been named Gilbert since 1904. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2543 in 1915 to #963 in 2023. Gilbert is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.

Names that peaked alongside Gilbert in 1904:

Mary Helen Anna Margaret Ruth

Gilbert by decade

Gilbert peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	957
1890s	1,215
1900s	1,829
1910s	10,867
1920s	18,340
1930s	17,852
1940s	17,421
1950s ★	18,920
1960s	14,515
1970s	9,142
1980s	7,617
1990s	5,434
2000s	3,613
2010s	2,131
2020s	164

What are good nicknames for Gilbert?

ENGLISH

GibGil

DUTCH

Gilberta

FRENCH

Gilberte

ITALIAN

Gilberta

Famous people named Gilbert

Gilbert (German philosopher)

Gilbert used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.

Gilbert (Scandinavian royal)

Gilbert held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.

Gilbert (Norse explorer)

Gilbert carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.

Gilbert (German philosopher)

Gilbert used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Gilbert?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gilbert also consider these

Filbert

Germanic · German

Hilbert

Germanic · bright army or

Gisbert

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Gilber

Germanic · bright pledge

Gibert

French · bright pledge

Dilbert

English · Bright or shining,

Milbert

English · strong will

Gilbart

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

How is Gilbert written in other languages?

Gender variants of Gilbert

Gilberta DUTCH Gilberte FRENCH Gilberta ITALIAN Gisbert ANCIENT GERMANIC Gijs DUTCH Gijsbert DUTCH Gisbert GERMAN

Common questions about the name Gilbert

What does the name Gilbert mean?

Gilbert means "bright promise" — a name rooted in Germanic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Gilbert?

Gilbert is currently ranked #963 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Gilbert?

Gilbert originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Gilbert?

Gilbert is a two-syllable name pronounced G IH1 L B ER0 T. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Gilbert a common or rare name?

Gilbert is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.