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Gilbert

Boy name · 54 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Gilbert: 54 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 11 births in 1975.

From Old French and Germanic roots, Gilbert means "bright pledge" or "famous hostage," combining *gisil* (pledge/hostage) with *beraht* (bright). The name arrived in Scotland via Norman influence, where it became a steady favorite, particularly in the Borders. Perhaps its most famous bearer was Gilbert de Clare, the powerful 8th Earl of Gloucester who fought at Bannockburn. On the historical stage, Gilbert of Sempringham founded the only entirely English medieval monastic order, while Gilbert the saintly Bishop of Caithness became a noted figure in northern Scotland. The name shares its root with the Scottish surname Gilbertson, and interestingly, despite its Norman pedigree, Gilbert remains distinctly popular in Scotland compared to other parts of the UK, with a wholesome, slightly old-fashioned charm.