Herbert

“Bright army; illustrious warrior”

Germanic origin · Unisex name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#1553US 2023

647Births / yr

→Stable

229.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 189400

How to pronounce Herbert

HER·bert

/ˈhɝ.bɝt/ · stress on HER · 2 syllables

“Bright army; illustrious warrior”

Germanic origin · Unisex name

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 #1553 in the US.

🌿

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 Grace

How popular is Herbert right now?

Holding steady — currently #1553 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1905–2023#1553 · Top 1.1%

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1980

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
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	▲ up 373 · +47% births
1925	#1448	32	▲ up 574 · +68% births
1920	#2022	19	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Herbert

Best Year1930Rank #1075

Peak Count647

Average Rank#2950

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1905 - 202317 years

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:

Mary Betty Dorothy Helen Margaret

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	59

What are good nicknames for Herbert?

ENGLISH

BertBertieHerbHerbie

ENGLISH

Bertina

Famous people named Herbert

Herbert (medieval German ruler)

Herbert bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.

Herbert (German philosopher)

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

Herbert (Scandinavian royal)

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

Herbert (Germanic saint)

Herbert spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.

👑

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

Herber

Germanic · Army warrior

Helbert

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Heribert

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Herberth

Germanic · Bright army, army

Hebert

France · Bright army

Hurbert

Germanic · Bright warrior

Rembert

Germanic · Counselor

Harbert

Germanic · Army Bright

How is Herbert written in other languages?

Gender variants of Herbert

Bertina ENGLISH

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 HH ER1 B ER0 T. 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.