Gilbert

Pronunciation: [ g-IHLB-ert ]

Boy Name #1,397 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

Victorian charm with a beloved literary hero's grace

English French American Irish

Classic Vintage Literary Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"bright pledge, noble hostage"

Origin: Old German (Gisilbert)

Language: English

"famous through noble birth"

Origin: Norman French

Language: French

The Story of Gilbert

Gilbert comes from the Old German name Gisilbert, composed of 'gisel' (pledge, hostage, noble youth) and 'beraht' (bright, famous). It was a common name among Frankish nobility and was brought to England by the Normans after 1066. Saint Gilbert of Sempringham (1083-1189) founded the only religious order of purely English origin, the Gilbertines, giving the name strong ecclesiastical roots.

Gilbert was widely used in England and America from the medieval period through the early 20th century. Its popularity declined sharply after the 1960s, but it's attracting renewed interest among parents seeking Victorian-era names with character and history. Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables gives it an enduring romantic reputation.

In Ireland, Giolla Brighde (servant of St. Brigid) was anglicized as Gilbert, giving it deep Celtic roots. The name is beloved in Canada partly through the beloved character Gilbert Blythe in L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables series, set in Prince Edward Island.

Fun Facts

Gilbert Blythe of Anne of Green Gables is one of literature's most beloved romantic heroes, making the name synonymous with devoted, patient love
Gilbert and Sullivan's comic operas (1871-1896) entertained Victorian England and are still performed worldwide today

Gilbert in Other Languages

French Gilbert

German Gilbert

Italian Gilberto

Spanish Gilberto

Portuguese Gilberto

Famous People Named Gilbert

Gilbert Gottfried

Entertainer

1955

American comedian and actor known for his distinctive voice and rapid-fire delivery, and as the voice of the AFLAC duck

W.S. Gilbert

Writer

1836

British playwright and lyricist who collaborated with Arthur Sullivan on beloved comic operas including The Mikado and H...

British playwright and lyricist who collaborated with Arthur Sullivan on beloved comic operas including The Mikado and H.M.S. Pinafore

Gilbert Blythe Fictional

Other

Devoted love interest of Anne Shirley in L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables series — literature's ideal patient, loy...

Devoted love interest of Anne Shirley in L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables series — literature's ideal patient, loyal suitor

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #1,397
Total SSA Count: 134
Cultural Origins: English French American Irish
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Alternative Spellings

Gilberto #1441

Common Nicknames

Gil Bert Gibby

Pairs Well With

Gilbert James Gilbert Edward Gilbert Thomas Gilbert Arthur Gilbert Henry Gilbert Owen Gilbert Roland

Sibling Names

Arthur Edmund Herbert Clarence Reginald Adelaide Beatrice Mabel

Also a Girl Name

Gilbert is also used as a girl name, ranked #38565.

View Gilbert as a girl name →

Similar Names

Albert Alfred Herbert Alberto

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Gilbert

What does the name Gilbert mean?

"bright pledge, noble hostage" (from Old German (Gisilbert)). "famous through noble birth" (from Norman French). Gilbert comes from the Old German name Gisilbert, composed of 'gisel' (pledge, hostage, noble youth) and 'beraht' (bright, famous). It was a common name among Frankish nobility and was brought to England by the Normans after 1066. Saint Gilbert of Sempringham (1083-1189) founded the only religious order of purely English origin, the Gilbertines, giving the name strong ecclesiastical roots.

What is the origin of the name Gilbert?

Gilbert has Old German (Gisilbert), Norman French, English, French, American, and Irish origins. In Old German (Gisilbert), it means "bright pledge, noble hostage". In Norman French, it means "famous through noble birth".

Is Gilbert a boy or girl name?

Gilbert is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1397. As a girl name, it is ranked #38565. Gilbert is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Gilbert?

Gilbert is pronounced g-IHLB-ert.

How popular is the name Gilbert?

Gilbert is currently ranked #1397 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Gilbert?

Common nicknames for Gilbert include Gil, Bert, and Gibby.

What are good middle names for Gilbert?

Popular middle name pairings include Gilbert James, Gilbert Edward, Gilbert Thomas, Gilbert Arthur, Gilbert Henry, Gilbert Owen, and Gilbert Roland.

What are good sibling names for Gilbert?

Names that pair well with Gilbert as siblings include Arthur, Edmund, Herbert, Clarence, Reginald, Adelaide, Beatrice, and Mabel.

How many syllables does Gilbert have?

Gilbert has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Gilbert a common or rare name?

Gilbert is an uncommon name, ranked #1397 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Gilbert

Gilbert is a boy name with English, French, American, and Irish origins . The name means "bright pledge, noble hostage" in Old German (Gisilbert) .

Is Gilbert a boy or girl name? Gilbert is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,397 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #38,565. Gilbert is more commonly used as a boy name.

Gilbert is currently ranked #1,397 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Gilbert has 2 syllables and is pronounced g-IHLB-ert, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Gilbert include Gil, Bert, and Gibby. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Gilbert include Gilberto . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.