Robert: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced RAH-bert · 2 syllables
Robert means “bright fame”, from Germanic.
From Anglo-Norman Robert, from the Old Frankish cognate of Old High German Hrodperht (normalised form: Ruodberht), from Proto-West Germanic *Hrothiberht, from Proto-Germanic *Hrothiberhtaz (literally “shining glory”). Doublet of Rupert.
- Meaning
- bright fame
- Origin
- Germanic
- Pronunciation
- RAH-bert
- US rank (2025)
- #92
- US babies a year
- about 3,988 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1930
- Style
- Vintage, Classic
- Nicknames
- Bob, Bobby, Rob, Robbie
How popular is Robert?
Robert was the #92 name in the US in 2025, given to 3,777 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 40% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1930.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #92 |
| England & Wales | #125 |
| Scotland | #80 |
| Northern Ireland | #132 |
| Ireland | #106 |
| Norway | #347 |
| Canada | #236 |
| Australia | #177 |
How old are people named Robert?
Half of US adults named Robert are older than 63; most are between 29 and 85. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Robert
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Robert have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Robert
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Robert
What does the name Robert mean?
Robert means “bright fame”. It comes from Germanic.
How do you pronounce Robert?
Robert is pronounced RAH-bert.
How popular is the name Robert?
Robert was the #92 name in the US in 2025, given to 3,777 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 40% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1930.
How old are people named Robert?
Half of US adults named Robert are older than 63. Most are between 29 and 85.