Robert is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German words "Hrod" meaning fame and "berht" meaning bright or famous. The name Robert has been popular throughout history and across different cultures.
The name Robert first appeared in England during the Norman Conquest in 1066, when William the Conqueror invaded and brought with him many Norman followers who bore the name Robert. Over time, the name became popular among the English aristocracy and was passed down through generations of royal families.
In France, the name Robert was also common among the nobility, with notable bearers including Robert I of France, who ruled from 886 to 923, and Robert II of France, known as "Robert the Pious," who reigned from 974 to 1031.
The name Robert has also been popular in other European countries, such as Germany, where it is often spelled Rupert. In Scandinavia, the name has been used in forms such as Rolf and Roald.
Throughout history, the name Robert has been associated with many notable figures, including:
* Robert Burns, the Scottish poet known for his work "Tam o' Shanter"
* Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish author of "Treasure Island" and "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde"
* Robert Frost, the American poet known for his nature-inspired poetry
* Robert Kennedy, the American politician and attorney general who was assassinated in 1968
Today, Robert remains a popular name around the world, with variations such as Rob, Robbie, Bobby, and Roberto used in different cultures. The name continues to evoke images of strength, leadership, and intelligence, reflecting its historic associations with prominent figures throughout history.
The name Robert has seen a steady but variable presence in the United States over the past few decades, with an average of about 5 births per year between 1959 and 1984. During this period, there were no years where the number of births with the name Robert exceeded double digits. The most popular year for the name Robert was 1976, with 5 births, followed by 1982 and 1984, each with 6 births. Overall, there have been a total of 24 babies named Robert born in the United States between these years.