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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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Gilbert?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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
Most popular combo · classic
Gilbert Rose
Floral · soft ending
Gilbert Mae
Sweet · timeless
Gilbert Claire
French influence · crisp
Gilbert Jane
Literary · strong
Gilbert Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Gilbert right now?
Holding steady — currently #963 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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?
Famous people named Gilbert
G(
Gilbert (German philosopher)
Gilbert used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
G(
Gilbert (Scandinavian royal)
Gilbert held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
G(
Gilbert (Norse explorer)
Gilbert carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
G(
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 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Gilbert?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gilbert also consider these
How is Gilbert written in other languages?
Gender variants of Gilbert
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.