Holding steady.
Popularity of Ethelbert since 1887
Babies named Ethelbert per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1916, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ethelbert's real moment was 1887.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 6 |
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 58 |
| 1920s | 68 |
| 1930s | 26 |
| 1940s | 10 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Ethelbert is a classic Old English name with royal lineage, borne by early Anglo-Saxon kings such as King Æthelberht of Kent. Despite its noble meaning and historical weight, the name fell into obscurity by the early 20th century. In the United States, it was first recorded in 1887, the same year it achieved its highest rank of 838, and it has not appeared in data since 1909. The trajectory of this name is stable at zero, reflecting its near-total disuse, and it has no recorded top states. For parents drawn to authentic Anglo-Saxon heritage, Ethelbert offers a distinctive choice that pairs well with other revived vintage names.
Ethelbert derives from the Old English elements æthel meaning 'noble' and beorht meaning 'bright'. It was the name of several Anglo-Saxon kings, most notably King Æthelberht of Kent, who welcomed Saint Augustine's mission in 597 AD. The name fell out of common use after the Norman Conquest but was revived in the 19th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Eth, Bert, Bertie
Variants: Æthelberht, Aethelbert, Ethelbert
Sibling names for Ethelbert
Names that share Ethelbert's style, for a brother or sister.
