Albert is a classic male given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old High German elements adal, meaning "noble," and beraht, which translates to "bright" or "famous." Therefore, the name Albert signifies nobility and brightness, suggesting that it has been chosen for its positive connotations throughout history.
The name Albert first appeared in England during the late Middle Ages. It is believed to have been introduced by French-speaking noblemen who brought the name with them as they settled in Britain after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Initially, Albert was used primarily among the upper classes, reflecting its Germanic origins and noble meaning.
Over time, the name Albert spread beyond England's borders and became popular throughout Europe. In Germany, for instance, Albert was a particularly common choice during the late Middle Ages and early modern period. This can be attributed to several German royals who bore the name, including Albert I of Germany (1828-1906), who played a significant role in unifying Germany.
In literature and arts, the name Albert has been used by various authors and artists as a character's name throughout history. Some notable examples include Charles Dickens' character Mr. Gradgrind from his novel "Hard Times," and Albert Einstein, the renowned physicist whose first name contributed to popularizing the name in the 20th century.
Overall, the name Albert has a rich historical background and an appealing meaning that makes it an attractive choice for parents seeking a timeless and meaningful name for their child. Despite its age, Albert remains widely used today, appearing regularly on baby name lists around the world.
The name Albert has seen a varied trend of popularity over the years in the United States, as reflected by the annual birth statistics provided.
In the late 19th century and early 20th century, Albert experienced periods of fluctuating popularity. Between 1882 and 1903, there were between 5 to 14 births per year with the name Albert. The peak during this time was in 1913 with 22 births.
The name Albert reached its highest point of popularity between 1914 and 1927, with a steady increase from 28 births in 1914 to a peak of 82 births in 1927. This demonstrates that Albert was a favored name during this time period.
However, after 1927, the popularity of the name Albert began to decline steadily. Between 1930 and 1965, there were fewer than 36 births per year with the name Albert, indicating a significant decrease in its popularity.
The name Albert continued to experience fluctuations in popularity throughout the latter half of the 20th century. Between 1975 and 1989, there were between 9 to 19 births per year with the name Albert. Despite these fluctuations, Albert remained relatively uncommon during this period.
In recent years, the name Albert has seen a slight resurgence in popularity. From 1992 onwards, the number of births with the name Albert has ranged from 5 to 10 per year, indicating that while it may not be as popular as it once was, Albert is still being chosen as a baby boy's name.
In conclusion, based on the provided statistics, the name Albert has experienced periods of high popularity, particularly in the early-to-mid 20th century. However, its popularity has waned since then, with fluctuations occurring throughout the latter half of the century and into the present day. Despite these variations, Albert remains a classic and respected choice for parents naming their baby boys.
It is essential to note that the statistics provided do not account for instances where the name Albert may have been spelled differently (e.g., Albert vs. Alberti) or when it was used as a middle name rather than a first name. Therefore, the actual popularity of the name Albert could potentially be higher than what these figures indicate.
Lastly, it is fascinating to observe how trends in baby names can change over time, reflecting societal shifts and personal preferences. The statistics for the name Albert offer an interesting glimpse into the evolution of naming practices in the United States throughout the past century.