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Robert Boy

Popularity: #89 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationROB-urt / /ˈrɒb.ərt/

Germanic; Old High German

Meaning

Fame-bright; bright fame

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Robert has its roots in the Germanic elements "hrod," meaning "fame," and "beraht," meaning "bright" or "shining." This etymology is reflected in the Old High German form "Hruodberht," which evolved into the Old French "Robert" after the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century. The name was subsequently adopted into Middle English as "Robert," maintaining its original pronunciation and meaning. The transition from Germanic to Old French and then to English illustrates the linguistic influences of the time, particularly the impact of Norman culture on the English language following 1066.

Historically, the name Robert has been borne by numerous notable figures, contributing to its prominence. One of the earliest recorded bearers was Robert I of Scotland, also known as Robert the Bruce, who reigned in the early 14th century and is celebrated for his role in the Scottish Wars of Independence. Additionally, Saint Robert of Molesme, a 11th-century Benedictine monk, founded the Cistercian order, further embedding the name in religious and cultural history. The name appears in significant literary works, including the King James Bible, where it is associated with various biblical figures, enhancing its historical resonance.

Culturally, Robert has been associated with nobility and leadership, often symbolizing strength and valor. The name has produced various diminutive forms, such as Rob and Bobby, which have also been used in different cultural contexts. Over the centuries, Robert has maintained a strong presence in literature, art, and history, often representing ideals of bravery and honor. Its enduring legacy is reflected in the many historical and cultural narratives that feature individuals named Robert, making it a name of considerable significance across various domains.

Trend Summary

Robert has seen a decline in popularity in the United States since the mid-20th century but remains a classic choice.

Similar Names

RonaldRogerRoderickRobinRalphRubenRocco

Variants

  • Rob
  • Bob
  • Bobby
  • Robbie

International Variants

  • Roberto (Italian/Spanish)
  • Róbert (Hungarian)
  • Ruprecht (German)
  • Ruppert (Dutch)

Famous people named Robert

Robert Downey Jr. is an actor best known for Iron Man, Sherlock Holmes, and Avengers: Endgame.

Robert Pattinson is an actor best known for Twilight, The Lighthouse, and Tenet.

Robert De Niro is an actor best known for Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and Goodfellas.

Robert Redford is an actor and director best known for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, and Ordinary People.

Robert Frost is a poet best known for The Road Not Taken, Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, and Mending Wall.

Robert Louis Stevenson is an author best known for Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

Robert Plant is a musician best known as the lead singer of Led Zeppelin and for his solo career.

Robert Rodriguez is a filmmaker best known for Desperado, Sin City, and Spy Kids.

Robert Zemeckis is a director best known for Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

Robert Altman is a director best known for MAS*H, Nashville, and The Player.

Robert Iger is a business executive best known for his role as CEO of The Walt Disney Company.

Robert B. Parker is an author best known for the Spenser series and Jesse Stone series.

Robert Capa is a photographer best known for his war photography and co-founding Magnum Photos.

Robert Johnson is a musician best known for his influence on blues music and songs like Cross Road Blues and Hellhound on My Trail.

Robert H. Goddard is an engineer and inventor best known for his work in rocketry and launching the first liquid-fueled rocket.

Robert M. Pirsig is an author best known for Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

Robert Langdon is a fictional character best known for his role in Dan Brown's novels, including The Da Vinci Code.

Robert Crumb is a cartoonist best known for his work in underground comix and the creation of characters like Fritz the Cat.

Robert C. Martin is a software engineer best known for his book Clean Code and contributions to Agile software development.

Robert McKee is a screenwriting lecturer best known for his book Story and his seminars on storytelling.

Robert A. Heinlein is an author best known for science fiction works like Stranger in a Strange Land and Starship Troopers.

Robert H. Miller is a businessman best known for his role in the development of the Miller Brewing Company.

Robert Kiyosaki is an entrepreneur and author best known for his book Rich Dad Poor Dad.

Robert McDonald is a businessman best known for his role as CEO of Procter & Gamble.

Robert Shiller is an economist best known for his work on behavioral finance and the Case-Shiller Index.

Robert F. Smith is a businessman best known as the founder of Vista Equity Partners.

Robert W. Chambers is an author best known for his book The King in Yellow.

Fictional characters named Robert

Robert Langdon is a fictional character from the novel series by Dan Brown. He is a Harvard symbologist who solves complex puzzles and uncovers historical mysteries.

Sibling Suggestions

RichardWilliamThomasEdwardJamesCharles

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Robert was first seen in the United States in 1880. Robert has ranked as high as #3 nationally, which occurred in 1947, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, California, Ohio, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Robert has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Robert (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 394
11%
TX 335
9%
NY 248
7%
FL 245
7%
PA 170
5%
OH 159
4%
NC 152
4%
GA 137
4%
TN 121
3%
MI 117
3%
VA 108
3%
IL 107
3%
SC 86
2%
AL 85
2%
MA 75
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18802,415
18812,140
18822,500
18832,334
18842,468
18852,322
18862,443
18872,125
18882,814
18892,513
18902,541
18912,240
18922,710
18932,563
18942,497
18952,635
18962,719
18972,701
18982,932
18992,609
19003,821
19012,543
19023,180
19033,044
19043,414
19053,410
19063,635
19074,020
19084,219
19094,563
19105,609
19116,526
191212,836
191315,684
191421,188
191528,737
191631,741
191735,220
191840,619
191941,025
192048,679
192152,779
192253,796
192356,113
192460,799
192560,896
192661,130
192761,674
192860,701
192959,808
193062,152
193160,520
193259,268
193354,219
193455,843
193556,525
193658,501
193761,842
193862,270
193959,659
194061,194
194164,247
194271,841
194374,890
194470,855
194569,945
194684,138
194791,654
194885,475
194983,876
195083,551
195186,355
195286,588
195386,245
195486,333
195583,755
195683,912
195781,776
195877,334
195974,542
196072,344
196172,963
196270,201
196369,997
196469,983
196563,112
196659,309
196756,371
196858,186
196958,303
197057,179
197150,635
197243,015
197338,698
197437,009
197535,308
197633,791
197734,217
197833,379
197934,018
198034,269
198134,397
198234,414
198332,744
198431,772
198532,095
198631,351
198730,240
198830,317
198930,073
199028,885
199126,836
199224,095
199322,447
199420,559
199518,586
199617,676
199716,303
199815,527
199914,540
200013,739
200112,665
200212,031
200311,399
200410,681
200510,166
20069,911
20079,388
20088,840
20097,838
20107,564
20116,984
20126,963
20136,721
20146,660
20156,132
20166,005
20175,566
20185,191
20194,851
20204,401
20214,430
20224,078
20233,823
20243,785