seven reflections
Login
Gilbert Name Meaning, Origins & History

Gilbert

Pronunciation: GIL-bert

Meaning Shining pledge Origin Germanic Gender Boy
BOYS RANK
#1,330
TREND
64
Peak Years
1930, 1929, 1928
Lowest Years
1885, 1891, 1882
Energy Archetype
Reflective & Analytical

Rank shows the name’s position among U.S. baby names for each gender in 2025. Trend shows how many places it rose or fell since 2024. Rank 1 is the most popular. Based on U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) data. Peak and lowest years are based on the number of boys named Gilbert in the available records.

Fun Facts About the Name Gilbert

  • A favorite of earlier generations: Gilbert appeared in the U.S. top 100 in 5 separate runs, totaling 10 years. Its last run lasted 6 consecutive years, from 1927 through 1932.
  • More than 130 thousand babies named Gilbert: U.S. records list 130,817 babies given the name Gilbert from 1880 through 2025. Even 673 girls received the name Gilbert - about 1 girl for every 193 boys.

What Does the Name Gilbert Mean?

Gilbert is a masculine given name of Germanic origin, derived from the name Gisilbert (also recorded as Gislebert). It combines two Germanic elements: gisil, usually translated "pledge" or "hostage," and berht, meaning "bright" or "famous." Its literal sense is often given as "bright pledge" or "famous pledge."

The second element is the same berht found in Albert, Robert, and Herbert. The first element also appears in names such as Gisela and Gisbert. Old French Gilbert developed from the Germanic form, and medieval Latin records use Gilbertus. The short form Gil and the medieval diminutive Gib are derived from Gilbert rather than being separate source names.

Gilbert Name History & Origins

The Germanic personal name Gisilbert was used in Frankish and other Germanic-speaking regions in the early Middle Ages. It passed into Old French as Gilbert, and Normans brought it to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name became established in medieval England, where it is found in Latin as Gilbertus and in English records as Gilbert. It also took regional forms on the continent, including Gilberto in Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, and Giselbert in German.

Several medieval churchmen bore the name. Saint Gilbert of Sempringham (c. 1083 - 1189) founded the Gilbertine order, a medieval English religious order. Other bishops, monks, and nobles in England, France, and Scotland also used the name. Like many common medieval given names, Gilbert became a hereditary surname; patronymic forms such as Gilbertson and the diminutive-derived Gibson come from it.

Gilbert remained in use in later centuries. W. S. Gilbert (1836 - 1911) was the librettist of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, and Gilbert Blythe is a character in L. M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables (1908). These literary and theatrical uses are much later than the name's medieval record. Feminine forms include Gilberta and Gilberte.

How Popular is the Name Gilbert?

Gilbert recorded its highest annual U.S. birth count in 1930. People named Amelia who were born during its modern resurgence from 1927 through 1932 turn 94-99 in 2026.

U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.

Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.

Explore Name Lists Featuring Gilbert

Carl appears in several baby name collections based on U.S. popularity records, naming trends, and name characteristics. Explore these lists to discover other names with similar histories, styles, or features.

Past Favorite Boy Names

Past Favorite Boy Names: Once-Popular Names

Explore More Lists with Name Gilbert

Most Popular Boy Names That Start with G

See List of Most Popular Boy Names Starting with G

How the Name Gilbert Shapes Your Personality and Life?

You are introspective, prophetic, philosophical, and soul searching, but also can be analytical, critical and opinionated. You think deeply and clearly, have an air of mystery, can be solitary and secretive. You are intuitive and might be interested in the arts, drama or science.

You are always looking for a chance to do your own thing, to be your own person, and to have things done your own way.

✦ Gilbert's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Gilbert's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.
Explore Insights & Tips

Name Search