What does Herbert mean and where does it come from?
Herbert has Germanic origins, with roots meaning 'bright' or 'noble' and 'warrior' or 'army.' Traditionally a male name, it has seen variations for female usage, although not commonly. Famous bearers include Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, and Herbert Marshall, a renowned En
Cultural significance
Herbert has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bright army; illustrious warrior.
Peak popularity
Reached #1054 in 1929 — currently #2656 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Herbert?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Herbert?
Herbert works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Herbert Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Herbert John
One syllable · timeless choice
Herbert Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Herbert Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Herbert Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Herbert Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Herbert right now?
Falling — down 200 spots — currently #2656 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2656 | 49 | ▼ down 200 · -12% births |
| 2024 | #2456 | 56 | ▼ down 903 · -91% births |
| 2023 | #1553 | 647 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1558 | 627 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1563 | 597 | ▲ up 8857 · +11840% births |
| 1980 | #10420 | 5 | ▼ down 3340 · -17% births |
| 1970 | #7080 | 6 | ▼ down 3332 · -50% births |
| 1965 | #3748 | 12 | ▼ down 40 |
| 1960 | #3708 | 12 | ▼ down 970 · -29% births |
| 1955 | #2738 | 17 | ▲ up 1243 · +113% births |
| 1950 | #3981 | 8 | ▼ down 1982 · -56% births |
| 1945 | #1999 | 18 | ▲ up 37 · +13% births |
| 1940 | #2036 | 16 | ▼ down 181 · -11% births |
| 1935 | #1855 | 18 | ▼ down 780 · -62% births |
| 1930 | #1075 | 47 | — |
The story of Herbert
Herbert has been a beloved American name for over 130 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1894. More than 229,068 babies have been named Herbert since 1894. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1561 in 1905 to #1553 in 2023. Herbert is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Herbert in 1929:
Herbert by decade
Herbert peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 4,257 | |
| 1890s | 5,670 | |
| 1900s | 6,976 | |
| 1910s | 34,003 | |
| 1920s ★ | 56,844 | |
| 1930s | 38,047 | |
| 1940s | 28,822 | |
| 1950s | 24,398 | |
| 1960s | 13,787 | |
| 1970s | 7,306 | |
| 1980s | 4,492 | |
| 1990s | 2,408 | |
| 2000s | 1,234 | |
| 2010s | 765 | |
| 2020s | 164 | |
What are good nicknames for Herbert?
ENGLISH
BertBertieHerbHerbie
Famous people named Herbert
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Herbert (medieval German ruler)
Herbert bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
H(
Herbert (German philosopher)
Herbert used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
H(
Herbert (Scandinavian royal)
Herbert held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
H(
Herbert (Germanic saint)
Herbert spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Herbert?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Herbert also consider these
How is Herbert written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Herbert?
Common questions about the name Herbert
What does the name Herbert mean?
Herbert means "Bright army; illustrious warrior" — 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 Herbert?
Herbert is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Herbert?
Herbert 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 Herbert?
Herbert is a two-syllable name pronounced HER-bert. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Herbert a common or rare name?
Herbert is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.