Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Herbert

Herbert is an ancient Germanic name made up of the Old Frankish elements “hari-berct” literally meaning “army-bright”. The name Herbert was introduced to England by way of the Norman French after the Conquest of 1066 (its original Olde English form was Herebeorht). The name died from usage in the later Middle Ages but enjoyed a revival in the 19th century and first half of the 20th century. Probably the most notable name bearer was the 31st President of the United States, Herbert Hoover, who served in office from 1929 to 1933 (having had the unfortunate luck of taking office eight months before Black Tuesday which kicked off the Great Depression).

All About the Baby Name – Herbert

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME HERBERT

The number Four personality is marked by stability and discipline. This is the personality that follows the rules and is conservative by nature.  They have an earth-bound energy that prefers to build things methodically on top of firm foundations; they don't cut corners. Fours take their time and don't like to be hurried. But the outcome of their endeavors is likely to result in some strong and useful structure, which makes them great engineers and inventors. Fours are anything but frivolous or controversial. This is a trustworthy, straight-forward personality that embodies dedication and organization. They are the backbone and anchor in their relationships, careers and communities. They are tidy, punctual, and full of integrity. Hard-work comes naturally to a Four and they are immensely reliable. This is the personality you can always count on.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME HERBERT

Although considered crusty and old-fashioned today, Herbert was once quite the fashionable baby name choice back at the turn of the 20th century. In fact, Herbert was the 36th most popular boy’s name in 1900. He even got as high as position #25 in 1928 and 1929 thanks to the newly elected U.S. President Herbert Hoover. Although just as citizens began to sour of Hoover’s presidency in tough economic times, so, too, did they sour of his name. Herbert fell off America’s Top 100 list for the first time in 1947 (after a remarkable 60+ year ride). The name slowly but surely fell out of style and then quickly dropped from sight during the 1990s (2002 marks the last year old Herbert would claim Top 1000 status). Only 72 baby boys were named Herbert in 2012 which is not enough to make the Top 1000 list. Herb, Herbie and Bert are all common pet forms.

Quick Facts

ON HERBERT

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

HUR-bərt

SIMPLE MEANING:

Bright army

Characteristics

OF HERBERT

Dependable

Solid

Practical

Hard-working

Industrious

Studious

Conservative

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Herbert

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME HERBERT

“The Fonz” is arguably the most popular character in the 1970/80s comedy series, Happy Days, set in 1950s middle-class Milwaukee. As played by the young Henry Winkler, he was the embodiment of “cool” – an irreverent, sarcastic, leather-jacketed, motorcycle riding high school dropout popular with the ladies. In addition to that, he espouses racial equality, rights for those with disabilities, and higher education. With his typical thumbs-up “Ay” exclamation, he has moved into a permanent place in popular culture, as evidenced by his status as TV Guide’s ranking of him as number 4 of the “50 Greatest TV Characters of All Time”.

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Herbert

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME HERBERT

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Herbert


Popular Songs

ON HERBERT

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Herbert


Famous People

NAMED HERBERT

Herbert Hoover (U.S. President)
Herbert George Wells (aka H.G. Wells, author)

Children of Famous People

NAMED HERBERT

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Herbert

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME HERBERT

Herbert Hoover had the unfortunate timing of being the "Depression President" (his term lasted from 1929 to 1933). Hailing from California, and a Stanford University graduate who made it big in business, Hoover was our first President born west of the Mississippi. Not long into his presidency came Black Tuesday in October 1929 and the crash of the stock market. This was the beginning of the end for old Herbert. Hoover didn't believe in direct government intervention and tried to rely on volunteerism to help the downtrodden. That didn't work, and Hoover basically lacked the charisma to inspire national confidence. Americans turned on him and became angry and critical. He lost the re-election to someone who could bring new hope to Americans: Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Hate to say it old Herb, but the name Herbert is about as forgetful as Hoover's presidency.