Rupert is a strong, distinctive male given name of German origin. It is derived from the Germanic elements "hruod" meaning fame and "bert" meaning bright or famous. The name Rupert was first used as a personal name in the Middle Ages, popularized by Saint Rupert of Salzburg, a 8th-century bishop who founded the city of Salzburg. In English-speaking countries, Rupert gained significant popularity during the Victorian era and remained a popular choice throughout the 20th century. Some notable individuals named Rupert include British actors Rupert Everett and Rupert Grint, as well as Australian actor Rupert Penry-Jones. The name Rupert is also often associated with the title character of Roald Dahl's children's book "Matilda," who has a pet rat named after him. The name Rupert carries an air of tradition and elegance, yet remains approachable due to its recent popular usage in media and entertainment. It is often paired with nicknames such as Rue or Rupe for a more casual feel.
"Rupert saw an increase in popularity between 1920 and 1930, with a total of 16 babies named Rupert born during this period."