Robert is of German origin, meaning "bright fame" or "famous brightness". It was introduced to England by the Normans and has been widely used throughout Europe since medieval times. The name Robert reached its peak popularity in the United States during the late 1920s and early 1930s. It is often shortened to Rob, Bob, or Bert. Notable figures with this name include French king Robert II, poet Robert Burns, and actor Robert De Niro. The name's variations include Roberto, Rupert, and Rubert in English, Roberta for females, and Robertus in Latin.
The name Robert experienced variable popularity throughout the early to mid-20th century, with a significant increase in births starting around 1940 and peaking between 1962 to 1972. However, there was a notable decline in its usage as a baby name from the late 1980s onwards.