Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Origin and meaning of the name Herbert

Discover my first name's origin now

What is the origin of the name Herbert?

The name Herbert is of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German name "Heribert," which is composed of the elements "heri," meaning "army," and "beraht," meaning "bright" or "famous." Therefore, the name Herbert can be interpreted to mean "bright army" or "famous warrior." The name was introduced to England by the Normans and became popular in the medieval period.

Learn more about the origin of the name Herbert

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Herbert

Herbert is a masculine given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German name Heribert, which is made up of the elements "heri" meaning "army" or "warrior" and "beraht" meaning "bright" or "famous." The name Herbert has been used in English-speaking countries since the Middle Ages and became more popular in the 19th and 20th centuries. It was notably borne by several medieval saints and early Christian martyrs. Famous bearers of the name include the English philosopher Herbert Spencer and the American president Herbert Hoover. Herbert has a strong and distinguished sound, giving off a sense of strength and intelligence. The name Herbert continues to be used today, although it is not as common as it once was.

Character traits associated with the name Herbert

People named Herbert are often seen as intelligent, practical, and dependable individuals. They are known for their strong work ethic and logical thinking, making them excellent problem-solvers in various situations. Herberts are also perceived as organized and detail-oriented, often taking on tasks with precision and focus. They are reliable and capable of handling responsibilities with ease, making them valuable members of any team or organization. While Herberts may come across as reserved or serious at times, they are also known for their dry wit and sense of humor once you get to know them. Overall, those named Herbert are seen as trustworthy, hardworking, and capable individuals who bring a sense of stability and reliability to any situation they are in.

Popularity of the name Herbert

Herbert is a traditionally masculine name of German origin, meaning "bright warrior." The name Herbert was most popular in the early to mid-20th century, peaking in the United States in the 1920s and 1930s. During this time, Herbert was a fairly common name and was often given to boys in honor of notable figures such as President Herbert Hoover or British author Herbert George Wells. However, as naming trends have shifted over the years, the popularity of the name Herbert has steadily declined. In recent decades, the name Herbert has become less commonly chosen for baby boys, with many parents opting for more modern or unique names instead. Despite its decreasing popularity, Herbert still maintains a sense of classic charm and sophistication, making it a timeless choice for those looking for a traditional name with a strong history.

Famous people with the name Herbert

Herbert Hoover was the 31st President of the United States, serving from 1929 to 1933. He was known for his handling of the Great Depression and his efforts to stimulate the economy during that challenging time. Herbert Marcuse was a prominent German-American philosopher who was known for his critical theory and Marxist views. He was influential in the New Left movement in the 1960s and his work continues to be studied in academia. Herbert von Karajan was a renowned Austrian conductor and one of the most famous conductors of the 20th century. He was best known for his work with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and was widely regarded as one of the greatest conductors of all time. These three men, each in their respective fields, left a lasting impact on their disciplines and continue to be remembered for their contributions.

Variations of the name Herbert

Herbert is a classic and timeless name that has a few variations that have been used throughout history. Some of the variations of Herbert include Herbie, Herb, and Bert. Herbie is a more playful and informal version of the name, often used among friends and family members. Herb is a short and simple variation that is commonly used as a nickname for Herbert. Bert is a more old-fashioned and traditional variation of the name, harkening back to a bygone era. Each variation of Herbert brings its own unique charm and personality to the name, allowing individuals to choose the version that best suits their taste and style. Whether it's Herbie's friendliness, Herb's simplicity, or Bert's vintage appeal, the name Herbert offers a variety of options for those looking to personalize their moniker.
NomOrigine Team
About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

Last updated :

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names

#1 Hera

First name • forenames > hera

The origin of the name Hera is from Greek mythology. Hera was the queen of the gods in ancient Greek religion and mythology. She was the wife and sister of Zeus and the goddess of ...

#2 Herajeping

First name • forenames > herajeping

No data available.

#3 Herandra singh

First name • forenames > herandra-singh

The first name Herandra Singh appears to be of Indian origin. "Herandra" is likely derived from Sanskrit words, with "Hera" possibly meaning "lord" and "Andra" possibly meaning "ma...

#4 Heraram kumar

First name • forenames > heraram-kumar

The origin of the first name Heraram Kumar is likely Indian. "Heraram" is a common given name in India, especially in the Rajasthan region, while "Kumar" is a common surname in Ind...

#5 Heraud

First name • forenames > heraud

The origin of the first name "Heraud" is not clear and could have multiple possible origins. It is considered to be a variant of the name "Herald," which is of Old English and Germ...

#6 Herb mits

First name • forenames > herb-mits

The first name "Herb" is of English origin and is a short form of the name Herbert, which comes from the Germanic name Heriberht, meaning "bright army." The surname "Mits" does not...

#7 Herbelin

First name • forenames > herbelin

The name Herbelin is of French origin. It is derived from a surname which comes from the Old French word "herbe," meaning "grass" or "herb," and "lein," meaning "linen." This name ...

#8 Herbie

First name • forenames > herbie

The first name "Herbie" is a diminutive form of the name "Herbert." It originated as a masculine given name in English-speaking countries. "Herbert" is derived from the Old High Ge...

#9 Herbyourlife

First name • forenames > herbyourlife

No data available.

#10 Hercs

First name • forenames > hercs

The name "Hercs" does not have a widely recognized origin or meaning in English. It does not appear to be a common English name with a well-documented history or etymology.

#11 Herdeep

First name • forenames > herdeep

The origin of the first name "Herdeep" is Punjabi, with "Her" meaning "grace" or "blessing" and "deep" meaning "lamp" or "light."

#12 Herenda

First name • forenames > herenda

I could not find any information on the origin of the first name "Herenda." It is possible that it is a rare or unique name with no known origin or meaning.

#13 Hereram

First name • forenames > hereram

The name Hereram is of Maori origin.

#14 Hereward

First name • forenames > hereward

The name "Hereward" is of Old English origin. It is derived from the elements "here" meaning "army" and "weard" meaning "guardian" or "protector." Therefore, the name Hereward can ...

#15 Herghe

First name • forenames > herghe

The first name "herghe" does not appear to have a known origin in English. It may be a variant or unique name that is not commonly recognized or documented in traditional sources.