ETYMOLOGY: The meaning of the boy's name Robert is "bright fame", derived from the Germanic elements hrod "fame" and beraht "bright". Robert is pronounced RAH-bert.

ORIGIN & HISTORY: It is of old German origin. The Normans introduced this name to Britain. It belonged to three kings of Scotland, including Robert the Bruce who restored the independence of Scotland from England in the 14th century. The author Robert Browning and poets Robert Burns and Robert Frost are famous literary bearers of this name. Also, Robert E. Lee was the commander of the Confederate army during the American Civil War. A favorite name for boys since the Middle Ages. Especially favored by the Scots due to 14th-century king Robert the Bruce and to poet Robert Bs. Roberto is a Latin form of the name.

POPULARITY: Robert is a very popular male first name and a very popular surname. The name is still popular today even though there has been a decline in some countries with perhaps the rise of multiculturalism.

NAME VARIANTS: Robert has 30 variant forms: Bert, Bertie, Bob, Bobbie, Bobby, Rab, Rabbie, Riobard, Rip, Rob, Roban, Robb, Robben, Robbie, Robbin, Robbins, Robbinson, Robby, Robers, Roberto, Robertson, Robi, Robin, Robinson, Robson, Robyn, Robynson, Rupert, Ruperto and Ruprecht.

FAMOUS PERSONS: Senator Robert Kennedy; poet Robert Burns; actors Robert DeNiro, Robert Duvall, Rob Schneider; author Robert Lawson; General Robert E. Lee; author Robert Ludlum; baseball players Roberto Alomar, Roberto Clemente.

Learn more about this author, Lena Pheonix.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Behind the name: Robert?
We want to hear your view. Write now!