Gilbert

The first name Gilbert is a newer German and French variant of the name Giselbert, which goes back to an old German form of the Germanic Gisilberht. The meaning of the name includes expressions like 'the shining descendant,' 'the child of noble descent,' 'the noble heir,' 'the highborn son,' or poetically interpreted as 'the luminous promise.'

What does the name Gilbert mean?

Gilbert is a more modern form of the name Giselbert, which is a historical German variant of the Germanic Gisilberht. The meaning is interpreted as 'the shining descendant,' 'the child of noble descent,' 'the noble heir,' 'the highborn son,' or also as 'the luminous promise.' The name consists of two parts: the first component, gisal, has various meanings, including 'the hostage,' 'the guarantor,' 'the pledge,' and 'the noble bodyguard.' Additionally, gisel can also refer to 'noble prisoner of war' or 'the noble child.' The second component, beraht, means 'shining,' 'glorious,' or 'famous.' In the Middle Ages, it was common among nobles to give children as hostages for alliances to other courts. The Normans brought this name to England, where it was widespread in the Middle Ages. Other variants include Giselbrecht, Gilbrecht, Gilberto, Gilbertus, Gisbert, and Giesbert. Notable personalities with this name include the French composer Gilbert Bécaud and the English writer Gilbert Keith Chesterton.

Where does the name Gilbert come from?

The name Gilbert has its roots in Old High German and means 'the shining descendant.'

How do you pronounce Gilbert?

The name Gilbert is two syllables and is pronounced as 'Gil-bert' [ˈɡɪlbɛʁt]. The first syllable is short and concise, while the second receives a special depth through a rolled or vocalized r. The final hard t adds a clear point. This pronunciation gives Gilbert a sound that is traditional and stable.

When is the name day of Gilbert?

The name days for Gilbert are February 4 (in memory of Gilbert of Sempringham), August 6 (in honor of Gilbert of Laach), and October 24 (in remembrance of Gilbert of Neuffontaines).

Popularity

In Germany, Gilbert is among the rarer first names. Currently, it ranks 5,840th on the list of the most common male first names. Its best ranking was in 1931 at 112th place. In the last ten years, the name has been given about 90 times, placing it 2,500th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 2,446th.

Nicknames & pet names

Bert / Berti / Dilbert / Gibbi / Gil / Gilbe / Gilberto / Gilbi / Gilbo / Gili / Gille / Gilli / Gilu / Schilbär

Similar first names

Famous people

• Christian Gilbert de Spaignart (German theologian)
• Eberhard Gilbert Bethge (German writer)
• Gilbert Adair (1944–2011, Scottish writer and film critic)
• Gilbert Adrian (1903–1959; real name: Adrian Adolph Greenberg, American costume designer)
• Gilbert Ames Bliss (American mathematician)
• Gilbert Bailliu (footballer from Belgium)
• Gilbert Ballet (historian from France)
• Gilbert Bayonne (football player from America)
• Gilbert Becaud (chanson singer)
• Gilbert Beilschmidt (character from 'Hetalia')
• Gilbert Benausse (French rugby player)
• Gilbert Blythe (character from the series 'Anne with an E')
• Gilbert Bouley (1921–2006, American football player)
• Gilbert Cavan (British bishop)
• Gilbert Cesbron (French writer)
• Gilbert Cunningham Joyce (bishop from Great Britain)
• Gilbert East (British cricketer)
• Gilbert Grape (character from the film 'Gilbert Grape')
• Gilbert Gress (French football player)
• Gilbert Kennedy (English football player)