Robert Name Meaning + Popularity & Similar German Names

Overview

The name Robert is among the classic boy names that tend to command a certain level of formality, authority, and power.

This popular German boy name has been attributed to several royals, significant historical figures, notable individuals, and even saints.

In this article, you’ll learn why the name Robert has withstood the test of time as a popular baby boy name.

Information About Robert

Meaning Of The Name Robert & Origin

How Did Robert Get His Name?

It’s a combination of two Germanic words:

“Hrod” – meaning light
“Beraht” – meaning bright

These form the Germanic name Hrodebert, meaning “bright fame” or “shining glory.”

Origin & Nationality

*“Germanic” refers to a group of languages that also includes Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, English, Dutch, and Icelandic; German is a West Germanic language

Meaning

What is the Old English Meaning of Robert?

An Old English boy name meaning “bright fame”

What Is The German & Teutonic Meaning Of Robert?

“Hrodebert” meaning “bright fame”

What Is The Scottish Meaning Of Robert?

“Bright”
“Famed”
“Glory bright”
“Shining with glory”

Spanish Boy Name Meaning

“Bright flame” (spelled as “Roberto”)

French Boy Name Meaning

“Shining glory”
“Bright honor”

American Meaning

“Bright fame”
“Shining glory”

Shakespearean Meaning

Characters Sir Robert Faulconbridge and his son, Robert Faulconbridge, in Shakespeare’s “King John” play

What Does The Name Robert Mean Biblically?

While the name Robert doesn’t appear in the Bible, it can symbolically mean someone who leads people to God’s covenant.

It’s because Robert is a derivative of the Hebrew words “rosh,” meaning “head” or “leader,” and “berith,” which means “covenant.” (1)

Robert Name History: How Long Has Robert Been Around?

While the name Robert had occasionally been used in Anglo-Saxon England before the 1066 Norman Conquest, the Normans made the name widely popular in England as a royal name. (2)

Meanwhile, Robert as a family name was traced in the US, UK, Scotland, and Canada starting in the 1840s. (2)

What Is Robert In Different Languages?

Roberto (Italian boy name)
Robertson (English)
Ruprecht (German)
Robrecht (Dutch)
Hrodebert (Ancient Germanic)

Robert’s Name Pronunciation

“raw-behrt”

Number Of Letters

6 letters

Number Of Syllables

Two syllables

What’s The Gender Of Robert’s Name?

The name Robert is often given to boys.

What Does The Name Robert Symbolize?

Because of its meaning of “bright fame,” the name may symbolize someone notable, respected, and honored.

This can also symbolize an inspiring person.

Robert As A Last Name

Usually spelled “Roberts” (as in American actress “Julia Roberts”)

Popularity Of The Last Name Robert Or Roberts

“Robert” isn’t a popular last name. According to Forebears, it ranks #1,770 for last names in the US. (see image below) (9)

The spelling variant “Roberts” (with an “s”) is more popular and ranks #43 in the US for last names. (see image below) (10)

Last Names Of Robert’s Descendants

Robertson (also an English boy name that means “son of Robert”)
Robertson ( also a Norwegian name that means “son of Robert”)

US Stats: Is The Name Robert Popular?

Robert’s Popularity Trend Over The Years

According to SSA (Social Security Administration), the name Robert has been losing popularity over the years. However, it remains among the top 100 Most Popular Names. (3)

*You can also search for other name data using the tools under “Items of Interest” on the SSA’s website: ssa.gov/oact/babynames

Robert’s Popularity In The US

#84 in SSA’s 2022 Most Popular Names

Where Is The Name Robert Popular?

The US
All over Europe and other English-speaking countries

In the US, interest in “Robert” has been highest in these areas the past 12 months: (11)

FAQs About Robert’s Name Meaning

Does Robert Have A Positive Meaning & Connotation?

Definitely! The name Robert may be attributed to someone esteemed and highly respected. It’s a great name choice for a future leader.

What Is The Style Of The Name Robert?

It sounds formal, vintage, and a classic name for boys.

What Might People Think About The Name Robert?

For literary lovers, the author Robert Frost could easily come to their mind. Meanwhile, Hollywood enthusiasts would remember the actor Robert De Niro.

Personalities that people might associate with Robert:

Independent
Strong
Serious
Wholesome
Mature
Dependable
Fun

What Name Means A Gift From God?

While Robert doesn’t translate to “Gift From God,” other popular names attributed to the meaning are:

Dorothea
Dorothy
Theodore
Theodora

Personality & Character Of The Name Robert

The archetype of Robert could be someone wise, intelligent, and a natural leader.

What Is The Spiritual Meaning Of Robert?

The name Robert could mean nobility, fame, leadership, and honor.

Is Robert A Royal Name?

Yes! Robert was a popular royal name, particularly Kings of Scotland, during the Middle Ages. Here are some royals named Robert in history:

King Robert I or Robert the Bruce (1306 – 1329) – The King of Scots in the 14th Century who fought against Edward I of England for Scottish independence. (4)
King Robert II of Scotland (1371 – 1390) – He took the surname Steward and started the Royal House of Stewart. (5)
King Robert III of Scotland (1390 – 1406) – The eldest son of King Robert II, who became physically disabled following a horse riding accident. (6)
Prince Robert d’Orléan of France (1840 – 1910) – He served as a French army officer during the American Civil War (7)
Robert I, Duke of Normandy (1027 -1035) – Regarded a strong ruler, he was known as Robert the Magnificent or the Devil (8)

Why Do Parents Choose The Name Robert For Their Child?

Many parents tend to choose the name Robert because it sounds formal and classic.

Robert Name Usage & Variations

Spelling In Script

Роберт (Russian boy name)
Ροβέρτος (Greek boy name)

Robert Boy Name Variations

Hrodebert
Hrodpreht
Roberto
Robertson
Robrecht
Roopertti
Rupert
Ruprecht

Robert Unisex & Girl Name Variations

Bobbi (gender-neutral name)
Bobbie
Robbie
Robena
Roberta
Robertina
Robina
Robyn
Robynne

What Are Nicknames And Diminutives For Robert?

Bert
Bob
Bobbie
Bobby
Rob
Robbie
Robby
Robin

Names You Can Pair With Robert

Middle Names For Boys To Pair With Robert

Alexis
Benjamin
Bruce
Charles
David
Jacob
John
Nathaniel
Sebastian
William
Xavier

Suggested Twin Or Sibling Names

Robert’s Sister’s Names

Catherine
Elizabeth
Emily
Emma
Justine
Sarah
Stephanie
Victoria

Robert’s Brother’s Names

Alfonso
Jeremy
Matthew
Owen
Richard

Rhyming Or Similar Names

Adelbert
Albert
Herbert
Cobert
Wilbert
Colbert
Lambert

For Boys

Alexander (Defender of mankind)
Albrecht (Noble, famous, and bright)
Adelbert (Noble and bright)
Alaric (Noble ruler)
Armin (Guardian)
Christoph (Bearing Christ)
Friedrich (Powerful ruler)

For Girls

Adele (Nobility)
Ada (Noble)
Frieda (Peace-loving)
Matilda (Mighty in battle)
Irmina (War goddess)

Other Names You Might Also Like

Some of the best boy names:

Liam
Noah
Elijah
Henry
Roman

Other Last Names To Match Robert & Similar Names

Some last names that might be suitable for Robert and similar choices:

Brown
Miller
Martinez
Wilson

Famous Robert / Roberta Celebrities & Figures

Boy Roberts

Robert De Niro – American Actor
Robert Frost – American Poet
Robert Downey Jr. – American Actor
Robert Burns – Scottish Poet
Robert Pattinson – American actor
Robert Plant – Rock singer
Robert Peel – Former British prime minister
Robert Redford – American actor
Robert Arthur Kardashian – American TV personality

Girl Robertas

Roberta Flack – American singer
Roberta Vinci – Italian tennis player
Roberta Close – Brazilian fashion model

Fictional Characters Named Robert In Pop Culture & Fiction (Or Variations)

Robert Baratheon – Character in the book “A Song of Ice and Fire” and the TV show “Game of Thrones”
Robert Cohn – Character in Ernest Hemingway’s novel “The Sun Also Rises”
Robert Langdon – Character in Dan Brown’s novel “The Da Vinci Code”

Celebrities With Robert Or Roberts As Last Name

American poet Ada Palmer Roberts
American recording artist Bob Roberts
American wrestler Buddy Roberts
American guitarist Darrell Roberts
American actress Julia Roberts
British science fiction writer Keith Roberts
American mystery novel writer Les Roberts
American character actor Roy Roberts
British actress Veronica Roberts

Celebrities Who Chose Robert’s Name Or Variations For Their Babies

Robert F. Kennedy III and Amaryllis Fox (Bobby Kennedy)
Robert Godley and Jane Krakowski (Bennett Robert Godley)

Robert’s Name In Songs

Name Lists With “Robert” On Motherhood Community

Other Baby Girl Name Meanings

Other Baby Boy Name Meanings

You can also find ideas from the top 15 baby name generators.

Reference:

(1) https://www.preceptaustin.org/covenant_definition

(2) https://www.ancestry.com/name-origin?surname=robert

(3) https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/

(4) https://www.royal.uk/robert-i-r-1306-1329

(5) https://www.royal.uk/robert-ii-r1371-1390

(6) https://www.britannica.com/biography/Robert-III

(7) https://www.loc.gov/item/2021669715/

(8) https://www.britannica.com/biography/Robert-I–duke-of-Normandy

(9) https://forebears.io/surnames/robert

(10) https://forebears.io/surnames/roberts

(11) https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?geo=US&q=robert&hl=en