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 name Gilbert experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century and a half. In its early years (1880-1920), it was quite popular with peaks around the turn of the century, reaching as high as 1797 births in 1924. However, from the 1930s onwards, there was a consistent decline in popularity, with fewer than 2000 births per year after 1956.
By the late 20th century, Gilbert was rarely given as a first name, with fewer than 200 births per year from 1987 onwards. In recent years (2011-2023), it has become even less common, with fewer than 200 births annually. The total number of births with the name Gilbert over this entire period is 129,860.