Gilbert
English · Boy · 2 syllables
Popularity & facts
Relative popularity index, 2010–2025Popularity over time
Popularity indexHistorical popularity from 1880–2025 · US Social Security Administration data
About the name Gilbert
Gilbert derives from the Germanic elements "gisil" (pledge or hostage) and "beraht" (bright), meaning "bright pledge" or "illustrious hostage." The name has been used primarily in English, French, and Germanic cultures since the Middle Ages, with notable historical figures including Gilbert of Sempringham (12th-century saint) and numerous European nobility.
Cross-referenced with Wikidata/Wikipedia. AI-assisted, community-reviewable. Suggest an improvement.
Etymology
Gilbert derives from the Germanic elements "gisil" (pledge or hostage) and "beraht" (bright), meaning "bright pledge" or "illustrious hostage." The name has been used primarily in English, French, and Germanic cultures since the Middle Ages, with notable historical figures including Gilbert of Sempringham (12th-century saint) and numerous European nobility.
Gilbert currently ranks #1,330 in the United States as a boy's name. It reached its peak popularity around 1930.
Variants & nicknames
Contribute to this name
Help improve this page with a meaning, origin, or correction—and get credited as a contributor.
Share your knowledge about this name—meaning, origin, pronunciation, or correction. Your contribution is reviewed and credited with your name.
Login to contributeWe use Google & Facebook login — no password needed.
Sibling name ideas
English, French, Dutch, Germanic names that sit beautifully beside GilbertSimilar names you might like
Names starting with GMore names starting with G
- Garima
- Gaven
- Garrie
- Gayathri
- Gary
- Gabija
- Garrett
- Garry
- Garth
- Gabrielly
- Gage
- Gari
- Gard
- Garreth
- Gavrilo
- Garett
- Gaia
- Gauri
Find middle names for Gilbert →
🧬 See Gilbert's popularity the year you were born →
🔢 Get Gilbert's free numerology report card →
💫 Is Gilbert your name? Get your free “My name means…” card →
👶 Have a Gilbert already? Find sibling names that fit →
💬 Does Gilbert go with your surname? Check the rhythm, rhyme and initials →
✨ Get stylish & fancy text versions of Gilbert →
Names that sound like Gilbert
Phonetic match, not just spelling"The name 'Gilberto' means "bright pledge" or "shining hostage," derived from the Germanic elements *gisil* ("pledge, hostage") and *beraht* ("bright,…"
"The name Glafira means "smooth, polished" or "sleek," derived from the Greek word *glaphyros* (γλαφυρός)."
"Gualbert is a Germanic name composed of "gual" (power/rule) and "bert" (bright/famous), meaning "bright ruler" or "famous power." The name…"
"The given name 'Gjelbrim' is derived from Albanian, with 'Gjel' meaning 'night' and 'Brim' meaning 'strong' or 'powerful', thus combining…"
"Gilberthe is the French feminine form of Gilbert, derived from the Germanic elements "gild" (sacrifice/tribute) and "beraht" (bright), meaning "bright…"
"Gualberte derives from the Germanic elements "wald" (ruler/power) and "beraht" (bright), meaning "bright ruler" or "famous ruler." The name is…"
"The given name 'Guilbert' is derived from the Germanic words 'wil' meaning 'desire' or 'will' and 'bert' meaning 'bright' or…"
"Guy-Albert combines two distinct names: Guy derives from the Germanic root "Wido" meaning "wide" or "wood," while Albert comes from…"
"Gulbahar means "spring flower" or "rose of spring," derived from Persian elements "gul" (flower/rose) and "bahar" (spring)."
"The name 'Gilberte' is the feminine form of 'Gilbert', meaning "bright pledge" or "shining hostage," derived from the Old Germanic…"
"The given name 'Gilfred' means "pledge of peace" or "hostage of peace," derived from the Old English elements *gīsl* ("pledge,…"
"The name 'Gulliver' is derived from the Old French word *goulafre* meaning "glutton" or "greedy eater," and ultimately from the…"