Holding steady.
Popularity of Colbert since 1886
Babies named Colbert per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1931, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Colbert's real moment was 1902.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 11 |
| 1910s | 82 |
| 1920s | 98 |
| 1930s | 121 |
| 1940s | 107 |
| 1950s | 115 |
| 1960s | 67 |
| 1970s | 67 |
| 1980s | 55 |
| 1990s | 66 |
| 2000s | 34 |
| 2010s | 6 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Colbert is a rare given name with English origins, derived from Old English elements meaning 'coal bright' or 'famous.' It first appeared in U.S. records in 1886 and saw modest use around the turn of the 20th century, peaking at 6 births in 1902. The name's trajectory is stable, rarely exceeding single-digit annual births. Its strongest period was the 1900s decade, after which usage declined steadily. Today, Colbert is a distinctive choice for those seeking a name with historical surname roots and a connection to European nobility. Its rarity ensures a unique identity, while its familiar sound avoids ostentation.
Colbert is derived from the Old English elements 'col' (coal, dark) and 'beorht' (bright, famous). As a surname, it was borne by the French statesman Jean-Baptiste Colbert (1619-1683), which popularized the name among French speakers. In the English-speaking world, it transitioned to occasional use as a given name, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Col, Coby
Sibling names for Colbert
Names that share Colbert's style, for a brother or sister.
