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Hilbert Boy

Popularity: · Trend: → Stable

Origin(s)

PronunciationHIL-burt / /ˈhɪl.bɜrt/

German; Dutch

Meaning

German: bright army; Dutch: noble and bright

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Hilbert has its roots in the Germanic languages, deriving from the elements "hild," meaning "battle," and "beraht," meaning "bright" or "famous." This etymological combination suggests a meaning akin to "bright battle" or "famous warrior." The name can be traced back to Old High German, where it was recorded as "Hildebert." Over time, it evolved through various forms in the Germanic linguistic tradition before being adopted into English usage, primarily through the influence of German immigrants and scholars in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Historically, the name Hilbert has been associated with notable figures, particularly in the realm of mathematics and science. One of the most prominent individuals bearing this name was David Hilbert, a German mathematician active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, whose work laid foundational aspects of modern mathematics and theoretical physics. His contributions, particularly in the formulation of Hilbert spaces and his advocacy for formalism in mathematics, have had a lasting impact on the field. The name gained further recognition through the Hilbert problems, a set of 23 unsolved problems presented in 1900 that continue to influence mathematical research.

Culturally, the name Hilbert carries connotations of intellectual rigor and achievement, particularly in academic and scientific contexts. The association with battle through its etymological roots may also suggest a metaphorical struggle for knowledge and understanding, resonating with the challenges faced by scholars and researchers. While diminutive forms of the name, such as "Hil" or "Bert," may exist, they are less commonly referenced in historical texts. Overall, Hilbert embodies a blend of martial heritage and scholarly pursuit, reflecting a rich tradition within the Germanic naming conventions.

Trend Summary

The name Hilbert has seen limited popularity in the United States, remaining relatively uncommon.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Hilber
  • Hildebert

International Variants

  • Hilbert (German)
  • Gilberto (Italian/Spanish)

Famous people named Hilbert

Hilbert von Schenck is a physicist best known for his work in quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics.

Fictional characters named Hilbert

Hilbert is a fictional character from the video game series Pokémon. He is a skilled Pokémon Trainer and the Champion of the Unova region, known for his calm demeanor and strategic battle style.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Hilbert was first seen in the United States in 1900. Hilbert has ranked as high as #813 nationally, which occurred in 1922, and has been most popular in Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Hilbert has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Hilbert (1963)

StateBirthsShare
CA 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19007
19037
19049
190510
19069
19086
19097
19108
19117
191226
191335
191460
191556
191680
191778
191873
191966
192062
192163
192283
192369
192459
192560
192658
192741
192857
192958
193036
193134
193237
193331
193441
193531
193633
193720
193833
193923
194018
194124
194221
194333
194421
194523
194623
194726
194816
194916
195012
19519
195214
195331
195414
195512
195612
195713
195813
195914
19608
196114
196211
196313
196516
196613
196810
19699
19707
19719
19728
19738
19745
19756
19816
19836
19846
19855
19925
19956
19975
19986