Robert
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Bright fame or shining with glory
Origin: Old Germanic
Popularity: Ranked #92 in 2025 with 3,772 babies born.
History: Robert derives from the Old High German 'Hrodebert,' combining 'hrod' (fame) and 'beraht' (bright). Introduced to England by the Normans, it became one of the most common names in medieval Europe. Borne by kings of Scotland, saints, and literary figures, Robert has remained in continuous use for nearly a millennium and was one of the most popular names of the 20th century in English-speaking countries.
Famous people named Robert: Robert De Niro (actor), Robert Downey Jr. (actor)
Name length: 6 letters
How common is Robert? About 1 in 881 babies born in 2025 were named Robert, or roughly 10.3 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Robert
What does the name Robert mean?
Robert means “Bright fame or shining with glory” from Old Germanic roots.
What is the origin of the name Robert?
Robert has Old Germanic origin. The traditional meaning is “Bright fame or shining with glory”.
How popular is Robert?
Robert ranked #92 in 2025 — given to 3,772 babies that year.
When was Robert most popular?
Robert peaked in 1947 with 91,654 babies registered that year.
Is Robert a boy or girl name?
Robert is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Roberts in registered births are male.
Is the name Robert rising or falling in popularity?
Robert has fallen 12 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #80 in 2020 to #92 in 2025.
How long has Robert been recorded?
Robert appears in birth records across 146 years — from 1880 through 2025.