Herbert Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationHER-burt / /ˈhɜːrbərt/German; Old English
Meaning
Bright army; illustrious warrior
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Herbert has its roots in the Germanic elements "heri," meaning "army," and "berht," meaning "bright" or "famous." This etymological combination suggests a meaning akin to "bright army" or "famous warrior." The name was introduced to England by the Normans in the 11th century, following the Norman Conquest of 1066, and it was recorded in various forms such as "Herberht" in Old English texts. Over time, it evolved into the modern form "Herbert."
Historically, the name Herbert has been borne by several notable figures, including Saint Herbert of Derwentwater, a 7th-century hermit and monk whose life was chronicled in hagiographies. The name also appears in the context of English nobility, with several earls and barons bearing the name throughout the medieval period. One significant literary reference is found in the works of the English poet George Herbert, who lived in the 17th century and is known for his religious poetry, which contributed to the name's cultural resonance during the Renaissance.
The name Herbert has been associated with qualities of strength and brightness, reflecting its linguistic roots. In addition to its historical significance, the name has been embraced in various cultural contexts, often symbolizing nobility and valor. The diminutive form "Herb" has also emerged, providing a more informal variant that retains the essence of the original name. Overall, Herbert's journey through history illustrates its enduring appeal and the rich tapestry of meanings associated with it.
Trend Summary
Herbert has seen a decline in popularity in the United States since the mid-20th century.
Similar Names
Variants
- Herb
- Herbie
International Variants
- Hervé (French)
- Herberto (Spanish)
- Herberto (Italian)
Famous people named Herbert
Herbert Hoover is a U.S. President best known for his term during the Great Depression and the Hoover Dam.
Herbert Marcuse is a philosopher best known for One-Dimensional Man, Eros and Civilization, and his influence on the New Left.
Fictional characters named Herbert
Herbert the Pervert is a fictional character from the animated TV series Family Guy. He is an elderly man known for his inappropriate behavior and obsession with young boys, particularly Chris Griffin.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Herbert was first seen in the United States in 1880. Herbert has ranked as high as #50 nationally, which occurred in 1928, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Virginia. In the past 5 years the name Herbert has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Herbert (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 7 | |
TX | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 424 |
1881 | 369 |
1882 | 431 |
1883 | 422 |
1884 | 421 |
1885 | 388 |
1886 | 400 |
1887 | 445 |
1888 | 485 |
1889 | 472 |
1890 | 467 |
1891 | 501 |
1892 | 513 |
1893 | 519 |
1894 | 585 |
1895 | 569 |
1896 | 635 |
1897 | 565 |
1898 | 716 |
1899 | 590 |
1900 | 751 |
1901 | 573 |
1902 | 615 |
1903 | 668 |
1904 | 680 |
1905 | 681 |
1906 | 689 |
1907 | 710 |
1908 | 759 |
1909 | 831 |
1910 | 886 |
1911 | 1,125 |
1912 | 2,236 |
1913 | 2,723 |
1914 | 3,253 |
1915 | 4,341 |
1916 | 4,463 |
1917 | 4,745 |
1918 | 5,128 |
1919 | 4,960 |
1920 | 5,249 |
1921 | 5,217 |
1922 | 5,047 |
1923 | 5,071 |
1924 | 5,121 |
1925 | 4,924 |
1926 | 4,939 |
1927 | 5,017 |
1928 | 8,065 |
1929 | 7,881 |
1930 | 5,675 |
1931 | 4,788 |
1932 | 4,368 |
1933 | 3,685 |
1934 | 3,601 |
1935 | 3,436 |
1936 | 3,117 |
1937 | 3,040 |
1938 | 3,014 |
1939 | 3,097 |
1940 | 2,875 |
1941 | 2,964 |
1942 | 3,112 |
1943 | 3,043 |
1944 | 2,773 |
1945 | 2,664 |
1946 | 2,819 |
1947 | 2,857 |
1948 | 2,870 |
1949 | 2,731 |
1950 | 2,621 |
1951 | 2,704 |
1952 | 2,656 |
1953 | 2,616 |
1954 | 2,591 |
1955 | 2,504 |
1956 | 2,397 |
1957 | 2,279 |
1958 | 2,085 |
1959 | 1,843 |
1960 | 1,784 |
1961 | 1,688 |
1962 | 1,579 |
1963 | 1,505 |
1964 | 1,391 |
1965 | 1,380 |
1966 | 1,159 |
1967 | 1,152 |
1968 | 1,056 |
1969 | 1,008 |
1970 | 1,034 |
1971 | 951 |
1972 | 804 |
1973 | 707 |
1974 | 677 |
1975 | 671 |
1976 | 632 |
1977 | 587 |
1978 | 568 |
1979 | 617 |
1980 | 568 |
1981 | 551 |
1982 | 515 |
1983 | 481 |
1984 | 437 |
1985 | 430 |
1986 | 382 |
1987 | 349 |
1988 | 400 |
1989 | 350 |
1990 | 349 |
1991 | 285 |
1992 | 307 |
1993 | 273 |
1994 | 235 |
1995 | 217 |
1996 | 204 |
1997 | 195 |
1998 | 193 |
1999 | 151 |
2000 | 157 |
2001 | 148 |
2002 | 161 |
2003 | 120 |
2004 | 109 |
2005 | 118 |
2006 | 113 |
2007 | 104 |
2008 | 110 |
2009 | 94 |
2010 | 99 |
2011 | 81 |
2012 | 72 |
2013 | 79 |
2014 | 75 |
2015 | 79 |
2016 | 80 |
2017 | 77 |
2018 | 71 |
2019 | 54 |
2020 | 59 |
2021 | 53 |
2022 | 64 |
2023 | 67 |
2024 | 55 |