Gilbert (given name)

Gilbert
Pronunciation /ɡɪlbɜːrt/
French: [ʒil.bɛʁ]
Gender Male
Origin
Word/name Norman-French
Meaning gisel + beraht
Other names
Related names Gilberto, Gil

Gilbert is a given name of Norman-French origin,[1] itself from Germanic Gisilberht or Gisalberht.[2][3] Original spellings included Gislebert, Guilbert and Gilebert. The first element, Gil-, comes from Germanic gīsil, meaning "shaft of an arrow" or gisal "pledge, hostage", while the second element, -bert comes from Germanic -behrt, short form of beraht, meaning "bright" or "famous".[4][5] The name was introduced to England by the Normans where it was popular during the Middle Ages. That is the reason why the pronunciation Gil- [gil] reflects the Northern Norman one [gil], as opposed to Old French [dʒil] > French [ʒil] and explains the alternative spelling Guilbert with Guil- [gil].

Variant spellings have evolved throughout Europe, including the Romance language version, Gilberto, and the Latin version, Gilbertus. The diminutive, Gil, is popular as a given name or nickname. Gilbert, with variant spellings, is also used as a surname (see Gilbert (surname)).

Translations

People with the name

Fictional characters

See also

References

  1. "Behind the Name: Meaning, Origin and History of the Name Gilbert". Retrieved 2013-05-12.
  2. Albert Dauzat, Noms et prénoms de France, Librairie Larousse 1980, édition revue et commentée par Marie-Thérèse Morlet. p. 292a.
  3. Etymology of "Gilbert"
  4. DAUZAT 292a.
  5. Etymology of "Gisilberht"
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