gilbert

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Origin, Meaning, And History Of Gilbert

Gilbert is a popular name with multiple origins and is typically given to boys. The name has been used as both a first name and a surname for a long time. Its old Germanic origin consists of the elements ‘gisal,’ which means ‘pledge’ or ‘hostage,’ and ‘beraht,’ which means ‘bright’ or ‘famous.’ Therefore, the name’s meaning can be interpreted as a ‘bright pledge.’

The name has several commonly known respellings, including Gislebert, Guilbert, Gilebert, and Gilberte (feminine name). The name also finds its origins in French, Dutch, and German.

In English-speaking countries, the name is pronounced as ‘GIL-bərt’ in simple terms. However, it may be spelled differently in other cultures, such as ‘GHIL-bərt’ in Dutch and ‘ZHEEL-BEHR’ in French.

During the Middle Ages, the Normans introduced the name Gilbert, which gained notability in England and France, where several saints bore it. For instance, ‘Gilbert de Moravia’ was a 12th-century saint who established the ‘Cathedral at Dornoch’ (Roman Catholic Cathedral at Scotland church). Another saint with the name is ‘Gilbert of Sempringham,’ the founder of the 1130 ‘The Gilbertine Order,’ which was popular in the Middle Ages.

Gilbert is also widely recognized as a surname (of Norman French origin), thought to have originated in England in the early 1300s. However, in modern times, the name gained notability in the US after the 1880s, and it slowly became familiarized as a first name in other nations worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Canada, Scotland, and other African countries.

The name is also predominantly used in French and Italian-speaking countries in the form of its variants and diminutives such as Giselbert (Germanic), Gib, and Gil (English), respectively.

In other languages and cultures, Gilbert may be used in variations, including Gilbarṭ in Hindi, Gilbeoteu in Korean, Hilbiert in Belarusian, Jilbert in Turkish, and Gilberto in Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian.

In the movie and television industry, the name is prominently used for several fictional characters such asGilbert Grape,the titular character of the 1993 American filmWhat’s Eating Gilbert Grape,吉尔伯特Huph,从流行的2004年动画filmThe Incredibles.Furthermore, the American forensics crime drama television seriesCSI: Crime Scene Investigationfeatured Gilbert Arthur Grissom as a forensic entomologist in the series and its sequel‘CSI: Vegas.’

Overall, you may consider this name for your little boy for its association with strong history and qualities such as strength, loyalty, and intelligence.

Gilbert

heart image
Bright pledge
Boy
基督教
French
g..ga..gal..Gal..Gil..

How To Pronounce Gilbert?

Pronounced asgil-bert
English

Famous People With The Name Gilbert

  • Gilbert PerreaultCanadian former ice hockey player; he was enlisted in the Hockey Hall of Fame in the year 1990
  • Gilbert Alfred FranklinEnglish-born American educator and sculptor, known for his public artworks, including the Abraham Lincoln statue in 1954
  • Gilbert MelendezAmerican mixed martial artist, Black belt (Brazilian jiu-jitsu), and world champion
  • Gilbert O’SullivanIrish singer and songwriter best known for his 1970s hit ‘Alone Again (Naturally)’
  • Gilbert BozonFrench swimmer and a winner of the silver medal at the Olympics in 1952
  • Gilbert MameryPuerto Rican DJ, radio and TV personality, and owner of the radio station ‘WTIL-AM’ or ‘Radio Útil.’

Gilbert On The Popularity Chart

In the below section, we provide data on the popularity and ranking trends of the name Gilbert over the years.

Popularity Over Time

The usage of Gilbert has gradually decreased since 1980, with fewer than 1000 babies per million being named Gilbert. In 2021, only 158 babies per million were given this name.

Source:Social Security Administration

Rank Over Time

Although Gilbert is a familiar name, it has not made it into the top 1000 names in the United States. As of 2021, its ranking was at 18,755.

Source:Social Security Administration

Names With Similar Sound As Gilbert

Here are some alternative options that sound similar to Gilbert, which you might find appealing.

Popular Sibling Names For Gilbert

Other Popular Names Beginning With G

Names With Similar Meaning As Gilbert

If you are drawn to the meaning of Gilbert but would like to consider a different title, below are some alternative options you can explore.

信息图:知道这个名字’s Personality As Per Numerology

name-numerology-for-gilbert-boy

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

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How To Communicate The Name In Other Languages

In Nautical Flags

gilbert

In Sign Language

gilbert

In Braille Alphabet

gilbert

In Morse Code

gilbert

Name Numerology For Gilbert

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the meaning of the name Gilbert?

The name Gilbert means ‘bright.’

2. What is the origin of the name Gilbert?

Gilbert has a French origin.

3. How to pronounce the name Gilbert?

Gilbert is pronounced as gil-bert.

4. How common is the name Gilbert?

The name Gilbert had a moderate level of popularity in 2016, with 214 boys registered with the name. Its peak popularity occurred in 1930, with 2,118 babies bearing the name. Over time, the name Gilbert has become less commonly chosen.

5. What is the Gaelic name for Gilbert?

In Irish, the name Gilbert is translated as Gilbeirt, preserving the essence and sound of the original name while adapting it to the Gaelic language.

6. What is the gender of the name Gilbert?

The name Gilbert is typically associated with the male gender. It has a long history of being used as both a first name and a surname, further solidifying its connection to boys or men. While names can sometimes have variations or be given to individuals of different genders, in the case of Gilbert, it is most commonly used as a masculine name.

7. Are there any variations or alternative spellings of the name Gilbert?

Yes, variations and alternative spellings of the name Gilbert include Giselbert and Gisilbert in Germanic languages. Additionally, in French, the feminine form of Gilbert is Gilberte. These variations and spellings offer different linguistic expressions while retaining the essence of the name Gilbert.

8. What are some nicknames for the name Gilbert?

Gil, Bert, Gibby, and Gillie are a few nickname options for the name Gilbert. These playful alternatives provide a more casual and endearing way to address someone named Gilbert.

9. What are some middle names that go well with Gilbert?

Wolfgangand Friedrich add a unique touch to Gillbert. Heinrich exudes power, Wolfgang evokes adventure, and Friedrich embodies peace and wisdom. These combinations create meaningful and harmonious names, enhancing the overall appeal of Gilbert.

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