Meaning & Origin
A male given name from the Germanic languages.
Gilbert is a boy's and girl's baby name of Germanic origin, from the Old French Gislebert, combining gisel ('pledge' or 'hostage') and beraht ('bright'), meaning 'bright pledge' or 'shining hostage.' The Normans brought it to England, where it thrived through the medieval period.
Gilbert peaked in the U.S. top 100 around 1910–1940 and carries a distinguished, slightly formal air. It's enjoying renewed attention as parents seek out Victorian-era names with genuine history — and the nickname Gil is effortlessly cool.