Gilbert is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German words "gisil" meaning "hostage" or "noble youth," and "berht" meaning "bright" or "famous." The name was introduced into England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066.
Gilbert became popular in France during the Middle Ages, particularly among French royalty. Several members of the French royal family bore this name, including Gilbert II, Count of Maine and Gilbert III, Duke of Lorraine. In literature, Gilbert is also associated with the character Sir Gilbert Bison in "The Three Musketeers" by Alexandre Dumas.
In England, the name Gilbert was popularized during the 12th century by Gilbert, Earl of Gloucester, who fought alongside King Richard I (the Lionheart) on the Third Crusade. The name gained further popularity during the reign of King Edward III, who had a son named Gilbert of Clare.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Gilbert. These include:
* Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834), a French military officer and nobleman who played a significant role in both the American Revolution and the French Revolution.
* Gilbert Baker (1951-2017), an American artist best known for designing the rainbow flag, a widely recognized symbol of LGBTQ+ pride.
* Gilbert K. Chesterton (1874-1936), an English journalist, poet, philosopher, and Catholic theologian who is remembered today for his wit, wisdom, and significant contribution to literature.
Today, Gilbert remains a popular name in France but has fallen out of favor in England. Despite its decline in popularity, the name Gilbert continues to evoke images of chivalry, nobility, and bravery, reflecting its rich history and heritage.
The given statistics show the annual number of births with the name Gilbert in the United States from 1880 to 2023. Over this period, there has been a significant decrease in the popularity of the name Gilbert.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Gilbert was a popular name, with over 1,000 births per year occurring between 1907 and 1924. The peak year for the name was 1927, with 1,976 births. However, starting in the late 1930s, the popularity of the name began to decline.
By the 1950s and 1960s, the number of Gilbert births had fallen significantly, with fewer than 2,000 births per year occurring between 1950 and 1970. This downward trend continued throughout the late 20th century and into the early 21st century.
In recent years, the name Gilbert has become quite rare, with fewer than 200 births per year occurring since 2013. The most recent data shows that there were 175 births in 2023.
Overall, while Gilbert was once a popular name in the United States, its popularity has waned significantly over time. Despite this decline, it is still possible to find individuals named Gilbert today, reflecting the enduring nature of some names across generations.