Holding steady.
Popularity of Gilberta since 1897
Babies named Gilberta per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1917, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Gilberta's real moment was 1907.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 8 |
| 1910s | 110 |
| 1920s | 169 |
| 1930s | 101 |
| 1940s | 92 |
| 1950s | 43 |
| 1960s | 19 |
| 1970s | 12 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Gilberta first appeared in U.S. birth records as early as 1897, a feminine elaboration of the well-established Gilbert. Though it never reached the top 1000, its highest popularity was in 1907, likely reflecting the broader Victorian fashion for feminized forms of masculine names. Today, Gilberta remains an extremely rare choice, with stable but infrequent use; it has not experienced a revival in recent decades. As a classic but uncommon name, Gilberta offers a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with old-world charm and a clear feminine identity.
Gilberta is a feminine form of the German name Gilbert, derived from the Old High German elements 'gisil' meaning 'pledge, hostage' and 'beraht' meaning 'bright', resulting in 'bright pledge'. The name has been used in the English-speaking world since the 19th century, though it remains uncommon. It shares the same root as the surname Gilbert, which was brought to England by the Normans.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gill, Bertie, Gigi
Sibling names for Gilberta
Names that share Gilberta's style, for a brother or sister.
