The meaning of the name Herbert

The name Herbert comes to the English language via the Old French where it meant Illustrious Warrior. This meaning of Herbert was originally of Germanic or Viking origin and was brought to France by successive invasions.

When the Norman French invaded and conquered England in 1066 A.D., they imported their language and culture as well as introducing many new names such as Herbert into the English lexicon.

The first syllable of the name, (Her-), means army soldier or warrior and the second syllable, (-bert), means a bright or illustrious man.

Popularity

The popularity of Herbert as a male first name has waned over the last century and is now no longer in the top 100 baby names in the UK, the USA, or Australia. Although, the name has experienced some resurgence over the couple decades among the upper classes to whom historical names hold greater value, Herbert still is not very common.

Famous People with the name Herbert

Some notable figures having the name Herbert are:

• Sir Henry Herbert, Master of the Revels to King Charles I and II.
• The former American president, Herbert Hoover.
• Field Marshall Horatio Herbert Kitchener, British hero of the First World War.
• Herbert W. Armstrong founder of the Worldwide Church of God.
• Herbert Spencer, British botanist, political theorist, and philosopher who expanded the theory of evolution.
• Saint Herbert of Tours was archbishop of Tours and whose feast day is commemorated on November 22 of the liturgical calendar.
• Herbert Lom, the Czech actor, famous in early British film.

Useful Resources

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