Declining since 1985, #1,328 for boys today.
Popularity of Gilbert since 1880
Babies named Gilbert per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 957 |
| 1890s | 1,215 |
| 1900s | 1,822 |
| 1910s | 10,791 |
| 1920s | 18,233 |
| 1930s | 17,746 |
| 1940s | 17,353 |
| 1950s | 18,852 |
| 1960s | 14,426 |
| 1970s | 9,065 |
| 1980s | 7,575 |
| 1990s | 5,420 |
| 2000s | 3,614 |
| 2010s | 2,139 |
| 2020s | 940 |
Meaning & origin
Gilbert is a classic Germanic name that entered English through Norman influence. It peaked in popularity in 1930, ranking among the top 100 names for boys in the United States during the early 20th century. Since 1985, its usage has been declining, and as of the 2020s it falls well outside the top 1,000, with only about 1 in 11,780 newborns named Gilbert in 2022. Historically, the name has been most common in states like Minnesota, Arizona, and Washington. Gilbert remains a respectable choice for parents seeking a traditional name with a distinguished past but modern rarity.
Gilbert derives from the Old Germanic name Gisilbert, composed of 'gisil' (meaning pledge or hostage) and 'beraht' (bright). It was introduced to England by the Normans and became common in the Middle Ages, especially in the form Gilberd. The name was borne by several saints, including Saint Gilbert of Sempringham, founder of the Gilbertine Order, and it enjoyed steady use in England and later in English-speaking countries.
Where Gilbert 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: Gil, Bert, Gilly, Gib
Variants: Gilberto, Gisilbert, Giselbert, Gilberd
Sibling names for Gilbert
Names that share Gilbert's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Gilbert
Names whose popularity has moved with Gilbert's over the last 50 years.
