Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Gilbert
BoyGermanic, English· “bright pledge”
- Meaning
- bright pledge
- Origin
- Germanic, English
- Pronunciation
- GIHL-burt
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,330
- US babies 2025
- 145
- Best rank
- #90 (1930)
- Peak year
- 1930
Meaning and origin of Gilbert
Gilbert is a Germanic and English name that means “bright pledge”.
Gilbert comes from the Germanic elements gisil, "pledge," and beraht, "bright," so it is usually interpreted as "bright pledge." The Normans brought it to England, where it became common in the Middle Ages. Saint Gilbert of Sempringham founded the Gilbertines, a religious order that began in medieval England. Much later, Gilbert Blythe, the charming rival of Anne Shirley in L. M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables, published in 1908, gave the name a boyish appeal. Today it feels like a gentle vintage revival, and Gil and Bert are classic nicknames.
Popularity over time
Gilbert has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 137 different years. Its best national rank was #90 in 1930, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,119 babies. In 2025, 145 babies were named Gilbert, and it ranked #1,330 nationally. That is 31% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #97 in 1920, #144 in 1950, #262 in 1980, #527 in 2000, #829 in 2010, and #1,330 in 2025. Of the 130,148 US boys named Gilbert since records began, 14% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 18,233 babies. Since 2010, 3,079 more have been named Gilbert.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Lowell and Myron.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Gilbert ranked highest in Minnesota, Arizona, and Washington.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | #851 | 5 |
| Arizona | #875 | 6 |
| Washington | #932 | 6 |
| California | #999 | 22 |
| Pennsylvania | #1038 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Gilbert is usually pronounced GIHL-burt, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with G and ends in “-rt”.
Middle names for Gilbert
A few middle names that flow with Gilbert: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Gilbert
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Lists that include Gilbert
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gilbert mean?
Gilbert is a Germanic and English name that means “bright pledge”.
What is the origin of the name Gilbert?
Gilbert has Germanic, English, and French roots. Gilbert comes from the Germanic elements gisil, "pledge," and beraht, "bright," so it is usually interpreted as "bright pledge." The Normans brought it to England, where it became common in the Middle Ages.
Is Gilbert a popular name?
Not especially. Gilbert ranked #1,330 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Gilbert a boy or girl name?
Gilbert is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Gilbert?
Gilbert is usually pronounced GIHL-burt. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings