Meaning & Story
Gilbert is a Germanic male given name derived from the Old High German Gisilbert, composed of gisil meaning noble youth, pledge, or hostage and beraht meaning bright, giving the combined meaning of bright pledge or shining noble youth. The name has a long history in England following the Norman Conquest and was borne by the medieval founder of the Gilbertine monastic order. For pets, Gilbert has a vintage charm that makes it endearing rather than stuffy.
Gilbert is a charmingly old-fashioned name that has somehow circled back to being genuinely lovable, which is exactly why it works so well for a male companion. There is something warm and slightly comedic about a pet named Gilbert, the implication that he has opinions, keeps a schedule, and may be judging you gently but consistently. It suits a calm, slightly portly companion with steady habits and an air of having seen it all before. If your pet seems like he should have a cardigan and a favorite armchair, Gilbert is absolutely his name.