ETYMOLOGY:

Robert is a popular male first name meaning famed, bright, or shining. It is of Germanic origin from hrod meaning fame and berth meaning bright.

ORIGIN & HISTORY:

The name was introduced to Britain via the Normans in the middle ages and it then became very popular especially in Scotland due to famous figures such as Robert the Bruce and Robert Burns.

In religion the name is a common one for saints, possibly the most well known of these is Saint Roberto Francesco Romolo Cardinal Bellarmino (born October 4th 1542) one of the thirty three Doctors of the Church.

POPULARITY:

During the 1920s in the US Robert ranked as the most popular name for new born baby boys, it has since declined but remains popular ranking in as the 47th most popular name in 2006.

In England and Wales the name was ranked 84th in popularity in the year 2007, slipping from previous years.

FASCINATING FACTS:

The Italian form of the name, Roberto, was used to refer to the Axis Powers (those opposed to the allies during World War Two, Rome-BERlin-Tokyo.

NAMESAKES:

Robert in place names:

Robert, Louisiana, US
Robert, Lee Texas, US

Robertson's is a famous UK brand founded in 1864 making jams, mincemeat and marmalades.

FAMOUS PERSONS:

Robert the first, King of Scots, or Robert the Bruce (born, 11th July 1274), a famed warrior and one of Scotland's greatest kings he lead Scotland during the Wars of Scottish Independence against England.

Robert Burns, also known as Rabbie Burns, the Ploughman's Poet or The Bard (born, 25th January 1759) was a Scottish poet and lyricist regarded as the national poet of Scotland and revered for his works world wide.

Robert Mario De Niro Jr, (born August 17th 1943), an award winning actor, director and producer he is best known for his iconic roles in the Godfather films and the iconic Taxi Driver.

Robert John Downey Jr (born April 4th 1965), an award winning and nominated American actor known for roles in US Marshals, Ally McBeal and Iron Man.

Hailed as the Scottish Robin Hood Robert Roy MacGregor (baptized March 7th 1671) is often known as Rob Roy (Red Robert), and was a Scottish hero and outlaw.

NAME VARIANTS:

Robert has 30 variant forms:

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

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