What does Robert mean and where does it come from?
While Robert is traditionally a male name, it has been used for females in modern contexts, often reflected in creative naming phenomena. The name has deep roots in Germanic languages, derived from 'Hrodebert.' It became incredibly popular in the English-speaking world, especially during the Middle
Cultural significance
Robert has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bright fame.
Peak popularity
Reached #1 in 1924 — currently #92 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Robert?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Robert?
Robert works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Robert Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Robert John
One syllable · timeless choice
Robert Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Robert Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Robert Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Robert Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Robert right now?
Holding steady — currently #92 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #92 | 3,772 | ▼ down 2 · -1% births |
| 2024 | #90 | 3,806 | ▼ down 1 |
| 2023 | #89 | 3,823 | ▼ down 5 · -6% births |
| 2022 | #84 | 4,078 | ▼ down 5 · -8% births |
| 2021 | #79 | 4,430 | ▲ up 1 · +2% births |
| 2020 | #80 | 4,349 | ▼ down 17 · -29% births |
| 2015 | #63 | 6,119 | ▼ down 9 · -19% births |
| 2010 | #54 | 7,555 | ▼ down 17 · -26% births |
| 2005 | #37 | 10,160 | ▼ down 8 · -26% births |
| 2000 | #29 | 13,738 | ▼ down 7 · -26% births |
| 1995 | #22 | 18,583 | ▼ down 9 · -36% births |
| 1990 | #13 | 28,874 | ▼ down 5 · -10% births |
| 1985 | #8 | 32,090 | ▲ up 1 · -6% births |
| 1980 | #9 | 34,280 | ▼ down 3 · -3% births |
| 1975 | #6 | 35,335 | — |
The story of Robert
Robert has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It reached the #1 spot in 1924, making it the most popular boy name in America that year. Over 4849K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Robert is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Robert in 1924:
Robert by decade
Robert peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 24,193 | |
| 1890s | 26,319 | |
| 1900s | 36,046 | |
| 1910s | 240,241 | |
| 1920s | 579,604 | |
| 1930s | 593,469 | |
| 1940s | 760,150 | |
| 1950s ★ | 832,381 | |
| 1960s | 653,526 | |
| 1970s | 400,037 | |
| 1980s | 323,886 | |
| 1990s | 205,954 | |
| 2000s | 106,764 | |
| 2010s | 62,490 | |
| 2020s | 11,932 | |
What are good nicknames for Robert?
DUTCH
BobBrechtRobRobbeRobin
ENGLISH
BobBobbieBobbyRobRobbieRobbyRobin
Famous people named Robert
R(
Robert (German philosopher)
Robert used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
R(
Robert (Scandinavian royal)
Robert held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
R(
Robert (Germanic saint)
Robert spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
R(
Robert (medieval German ruler)
Robert bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Robert?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Robert also consider these
How is Robert written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Robert?
Common questions about the name Robert
What does the name Robert mean?
Robert means "Bright fame" — 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 Robert?
Robert is currently ranked #89 in the United States 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 Robert?
Robert 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 Robert?
Robert is a two-syllable name pronounced RAH-bert. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Robert more of a girl or boy name?
Robert is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.