Robert: meaning and origin
Robert
“Bright fame”
About the name Robert
Robert is a boy’s name from the German tradition. Its meaning is “bright fame”. Names from Old German (Germanic) roots, often about strength, nobility and fame — like William, Henry, Emma and Matilda.
It’s a classic: a name that has been used for generations and still feels fresh.
More names with a similar meaning: names that mean light.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More German names
- Charles 👦Free man · German
- Charlie 🧒Free; a short form of Charles and Charlotte · German
- Emerson 🧒Son of Emery · German
- Emery 🧒Brave, powerful · German
- Emmett 👦Whole, universal · German
- Everett 👦Brave as a wild boar · German
- Frederick 👦Peaceful ruler · German
- Henry 👦Ruler of the home · German
- Hugo 👦Mind, heart, spirit · German
- Otto 👦Wealth, fortune · German
- William 👦Resolute protector · German
Sibling name ideas (German, girls)
- Adeline 👧Noble · German
- Alice 👧Noble · German
- Amelia 👧Work; industrious and hardworking · German
- Caroline 👧Free; a feminine form of Charles · German
- Ella 👧All, completely; also a short form of Eleanor · German
- Elsa 👧My God is an oath; a short form of Elisabeth · German
- Emma 👧Whole, universal · German
- Frieda 👧Peace · German
More boy names starting with R
- Rafael 👦God heals · Hebrew
- Ravi 👦Sun · Sanskrit / Indian
- Reid 👦Red-haired · English
- Ren 👦Lotus, or love (depending on the characters) · Japanese
- Reuben 👦Behold, a son · Hebrew
- Rhett 👦Enthusiasm; also from a Dutch surname · Welsh
- Rhys 👦Enthusiasm, ardor · Welsh
- Rohan 👦Ascending · Sanskrit / Indian
- Roman 👦Citizen of Rome · Latin
- Ronan 👦Little seal · Irish
Questions and answers
What does the name Robert mean?
Robert is a name of German origin. It means: bright fame.
Is Robert a boy or girl name?
Robert is usually given to boys.
How many syllables does Robert have?
Robert has 6 letters and about 2 syllables.