Declining since 1985, #6,803 for boys today.
Popularity of Delbert since 1880
Babies named Delbert per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 383 |
| 1890s | 387 |
| 1900s | 674 |
| 1910s | 5,257 |
| 1920s | 9,678 |
| 1930s | 9,167 |
| 1940s | 7,243 |
| 1950s | 6,004 |
| 1960s | 3,910 |
| 1970s | 1,935 |
| 1980s | 1,082 |
| 1990s | 593 |
| 2000s | 318 |
| 2010s | 199 |
| 2020s | 100 |
Meaning & origin
Delbert is a name that exemplifies a distinctly American naming fashion of the late 1800s and early 1900s: the blending of a trendy prefix with a classic suffix. First recorded in 1880, it reached its peak in 1932 before beginning a long decline. Since 1985 it has been consistently falling in use, and as of 2025 it ranks 6803, given to roughly 1 in every 142,340 boys. While never overwhelmingly common, Delbert enjoyed its most widespread use during the 1930s. Today it retains a vintage feel, often associated with an earlier generation. Its top states of usage are not recorded, suggesting it was spread thinly across the country. Delbert's similarity to more familiar names like Herbert and Wilbert places it within a broader family of '-bert' names that have since fallen out of favor.
Delbert likely emerged in the late 19th century as a modern coinage, combining a fashionable initial syllable 'Del-' with the popular suffix '-bert' (from Old German 'berht' meaning 'bright'). It saw particular use in the United States, peaking in popularity during the 1930s. The name has declined steadily since the mid-20th century.
Where Delbert is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Del, Bert, Delly
Variants: Delbart, Dalbert
Sibling names for Delbert
Names that share Delbert's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Mildred, Velma, Ethel, Loretta, Beulah, Delois, Deloise, Ardelia, Ardelle, Lavonna, Deloria, Delorse, Dorenda, Fayrene, Ladean, Lavetta, Nelta, Verline, Delberta, Delbra, Delva, Derotha, Gearline, Glendola, Norrine, Berlene, Deletha, Delona, Deloyce, Delrae, Delrose, Deltha, Gaynel, Glendia, Marvelene, Maudean, Seleta, Wanell
Brothers: Wilbert, Elbert, Herbert, Melvin, Orville, Delwin, Demaris, Lanell, Lenwood, Verlon, Delmon, Delmont, Deloy, Delray, Dewaine, Thelbert, Deldrick, Delman, Delmus, Delno, Glendal, Lamoyne, Mayford, Veldon, Delmo, Delvis, Ledell, Neldon, Velton
