Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Robert
BoyGermanic, English· “bright fame”
- Meaning
- bright fame
- Origin
- Germanic, English
- Pronunciation
- RAH-burt
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #92
- US babies 2025
- 3,772
- Best rank
- #1 (1924)
- Peak year
- 1947
Meaning and origin of Robert
Robert is a Germanic and English name that means “bright fame”.
Robert comes from the Germanic elements hrod, "fame", and beraht, "bright", giving the meaning "bright fame". The Normans brought it to England, where it quickly became common. Robert the Bruce, the king of Scotland who secured his country's independence in the fourteenth century, made it a national name for Scots, and the poet Robert Burns added to its fame. In the United States, Robert was among the most common boys' names for much of the twentieth century. It feels dependable and classic. Its many nicknames include Rob, Robbie, Bob, Bobby and Bert, and Roberta and Robin are related names.
Popularity over time
Robert 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 146 different years. Its best national rank was #1 in 1924, and the most babies received it in 1947, when 91,655 were named Robert. In 2025, 3,772 babies were named Robert, and it ranked #92 nationally. That is 38% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #3 in 1920, #2 in 1950, #9 in 1980, #29 in 2000, #54 in 2010, and #92 in 2025. Of the 4,849,730 US boys named Robert since records began, 17% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1940s come next, with 758,126 babies. Since 2010, 86,979 more have been named Robert.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include James, John, William, Richard, and Charles.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Robert ranked highest in Alabama, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | #43 | 89 |
| New Hampshire | #44 | 28 |
| Vermont | #44 | 10 |
| South Carolina | #46 | 88 |
| District of Columbia | #47 | 16 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Robert is usually pronounced RAH-burt, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with R and ends in “-rt”.
Middle names for Robert
A few middle names that flow with Robert: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Robert
Similar names
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Lists that include Robert
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Robert mean?
Robert is a Germanic and English name that means “bright fame”.
What is the origin of the name Robert?
Robert has Germanic and English roots. Robert comes from the Germanic elements hrod, "fame", and beraht, "bright", giving the meaning "bright fame".
Is Robert a popular name?
Yes. Robert ranked #92 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Robert a boy or girl name?
Robert is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Robert?
Robert is usually pronounced RAH-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