Boy
Germanic
2 syllables
Herbert
HUR-bert
/ˈhɜr.bɜrt/
"Bright army" — a name of martial glory, brilliance, and old-world distinction
Herbert is derived from the Germanic Heribert, composed of heri meaning army and beraht meaning bright or shining. Introduced to England by the Normans, it was common in the Middle Ages and enjoyed a major revival in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is associated with President Herbert Hoover and the writer H.G. Wells, whose first name was Herbert. The name carries a vintage scholarly dignity.
Quick Facts
Letters7
SyllablesHer · bert
GenderBoy
OriginGermanic
Root WordHeribert
MeaningBright army, illustrious warrior
PopularityClassic
Peak Year1927
Trend
→ Stable
Name DayMarch 16
Nicknames
HerbBertHerbie
About the Name Herbert
Herbert means bright army or illustrious warrior, from the Germanic heri (army) and beraht (bright, shining).
Herbert was very popular in the early 20th century but is now uncommon, carrying a distinguished vintage character.
Herbert George, Herbert Edward, Herbert William, and Herbert James all have a stately, classic quality.
Herbert originates from the Old Germanic Heribert, introduced to England by the Normans after 1066.
Herberts are often seen as intellectual, meticulous, and quietly determined — thoughtful individuals with deep reserves of knowledge.
The most common nicknames are Herb, Bert, and Herbie.
Personality of Herbert
Perceived character traits commonly associated with people named Herbert
Creativity
80%
Elegance
70%
Independence
82%
Intelligence
88%
Strength
72%
Warmth
74%
Famous People Named Herbert
H
Herbert Hoover
31st President of the United States, known for his humanitarian work and the Great Depression
H
H.G. Wells
British author of science fiction classics including The War of the Worlds
H
Herbert von Karajan
Austrian conductor and longtime director of the Berlin Philharmonic
Middle Names for Herbert
Beautiful combinations that flow well with Herbert
Herbert George
Herbert Edward
Herbert William
Herbert James
Herbert Charles
Herbert Arthur
Herbert Louis
Herbert Thomas
Herbert Francis
Herbert Raymond
Names Similar to Herbert
Similar Sound
Similar Meaning
Sibling Name Ideas
History of Herbert
1066
Normans bring Heribert to England, where it becomes Herbert
1895
H.G. Wells publishes The Time Machine, beginning his celebrated career
1927
Herbert reaches peak popularity in the United States
1929
Herbert Hoover becomes 31st US President on the eve of the Great Depression
Numerology & Symbolism of Herbert
4
Destiny Number
Sum of all letters
1
Soul Urge
Sum of vowels
♍
Zodiac Affinity
Virgo
7
Lucky Number
Personal power digit
🎨
Lucky Color
Olive Green
💎
Lucky Stone
Jade
🌸
Lucky Flower
Fern
Herbert Around the World
How Herbert is written in different languages and scripts
הרברט
Hebrew
هيربرت
Arabic
Герберт
Russian
ハーバート
Japanese
赫伯特
Chinese
Χέρμπερτ
Greek
हर्बर्ट
Hindi
허버트
Korean
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