Delbert is a unique and distinctive male given name that has its roots in English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name Æðelbeorht, which was composed of two elements: æðel meaning "noble" and beorht meaning "bright". Thus, the name Delbert means "noble and bright."
The name Æðelbeorht was quite popular during the Middle Ages in England, but its popularity waned over time. The modern form of the name, Delbert, began to appear in the United States in the late 19th century, with its peak popularity being around the early-to-mid 20th century.
There are a few notable individuals who have borne the name Delbert throughout history:
* Delbert Mann was an American film director who won an Academy Award for Best Director for his film "Marty" in 1955.
* Delbert McClinton is an American singer-songwriter and harmonica player who has been active since the 1960s. He is known for hits like "Givin' Up" and "Sending Me Angels."
* Delbert Richardson was a former NFL player who played as a defensive end in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
While the name Delbert may not be as popular today as it once was, it still carries a certain charm and uniqueness that sets it apart from more common names. Its meaning of "noble and bright" makes it an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their child.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Delbert has seen a significant decline in popularity over the years in the United States. From its peak in 1915 with 743 births, the number of babies named Delbert has steadily decreased over time.
In the early to mid-20th century, the name remained relatively popular, with hundreds of babies being named Delbert each year. However, starting in the late 1960s and continuing into the 1970s, there was a significant drop in the number of newborn boys given this name.
By the 1980s, the popularity of Delbert had dwindled further, with fewer than 200 births per year on average. This trend continued into the 1990s and the early 2000s, with only a handful of babies named Delbert each year.
In recent years, the name has become quite rare, with less than 30 births per year since 2006. Despite this decline in popularity, there are still a small number of parents choosing to give their sons the name Delbert each year.
Overall, while the name Delbert was once popular in the United States, it has become increasingly uncommon over time. Its peak popularity occurred around the early 20th century, with a significant drop-off in usage starting in the late 1960s.