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At a Glance
- Meaning
- Bright pledge (or 'bright hostage')
- Origin
- Germanic, via Old French/Norman
- Gender
- Used for both boys and girls
- Pronunciation
- GIL-bert
Gilbert is a Germanic name that came into English through Old French and Norman usage, carrying the meaning 'bright pledge' (sometimes rendered 'bright hostage'). It's a name with old, plainspoken roots rather than a modern invention. SSA records for Gilbert stretch all the way back to 1880, so it has a long, continuous history as a given name in the US.
Meaning & Origin of Gilbert
Meaning: Bright pledge (or 'bright hostage').
Origin: Germanic, via Old French/Norman.
Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.
How to Pronounce Gilbert
GIL-bertIPA /ˈɡɪlbərt/
Popularity of Gilbert
Gilbert had its biggest moment in 1930, when 2,119 boys were named Gilbert and it ranked #90 nationally. By 2024 it had dropped to #1394, with just 134 babies given the name that year.
Names Like Gilbert
These names have followed a similar path to Gilbert in U.S. popularity over the years.
FAQ
What does the name Gilbert mean?
Bright pledge (or ‘bright hostage’). (Source: Wiktionary)
How do you pronounce Gilbert?
Gilbert is pronounced GIL-bert (IPA: /ˈɡɪlbərt/).
Is Gilbert a popular name right now?
Gilbert peaked at #90 in 1930 and is ranked #1394 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1880–2024.)
Make Gilbert Name Art
Free printable nursery art for Gilbert, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.
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