Robert: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Robert mean and stand for?

Meaning:

English: Bright fame
Germanic: Famed, bright, shining

Gender: Male

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Robert is pronounced rah-bert

The name Robert has a rich history and is derived from the Germanic name Hrodebert, which means "bright fame." In its form, Robert has been borne by kings, saints, and noblemen throughout Europe, making it a name of royal status and significant historical impact. It was introduced to Britain by the Normans, where it became incredibly popular and has remained a classic name for boys across the English-speaking world.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

English, French, German, Dutch, Hungarian (Róbert), etc: from a Germanic personal name composed of the elements hrōd "renown" + berht "bright", "famous." This is found occasionally in England before the Conquest, but in the main it was introduced into England by the Normans and quickly became popular among all classes of society. The surname is also occasionally borne by Jews, as an Americanized form of one or more like-sounding Jewish surnames.

A Robert from La Rochelle, France is documented in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, in 1666, with the secondary surname Lafontaine. A family from the Saintonge region of France are recorded in Contrecoeur in 1681, with the secondary surname Deslauriers. Other secondary surnames include Saint-Amand, Breton, and Lebreton, Watson, La Pomeray, Durandeau, and Dureau.

Famous people with this first name

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Robert in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Robert Baratheon from Game of Thrones - The boisterous king of the Seven Kingdoms, whose death triggers the series' titular conflict.
Robert Langdon from The Da Vinci Code - A symbologist who uncovers a historical conspiracy through clues in Renaissance artwork.
Robert Chase from House M.D. - A young, charming doctor specializing in intensive care and diagnostics, working under the titular Dr. House.
Robert Neville from I Am Legend - The last human survivor in a post-apocalyptic New York City, battling against mutated victims of a plague.
Robert "Rocky" Balboa from Rocky - An underdog boxer who gets a shot at the world heavyweight championship.

Popularity of the Name Robert

According to the Social Security Administration data, the name Robert has been a stalwart in terms of popularity over decades, consistently ranking within the top names for boys. Historically, it has enjoyed a position within the upper echelons of baby names, particularly throughout the 20th century. Although it has seen a gradual decline in the rankings over recent years, it still remains a popular choice among new parents.Robert Origins & Meaning

Robert is a name with deep historical and cultural roots, tracing back to Germanic origins meaning "bright fame." Throughout history, there have been numerous influential Roberts that have left their mark across various fields. Notable historical figures include Robert the Bruce, a national hero of Scotland; Robert Frost, an iconic American poet; and Robert Hooke, a key figure in the scientific revolution. In terms of actors, Robert Downey Jr., Robert De Niro, and Robert Pattinson are contemporary examples of the name's enduring appeal.

The name has also been popular in fiction, featuring characters such as Robert Baratheon from George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and its television adaptation Game of Thrones, and Robert Langdon, the protagonist in Dan Brown's thriller novels including The Da Vinci Code. This widespread use across different mediums underscores the versatility and timeless appeal of the name Robert.