Wilbert

• Origin: German
• Meaning: “bright will.”
• Gender: masculine

The name is composed of the Old German elements will (will, desire) & beraht (bright). It was borne by a 9th-century bishop of Cologne and a 9th-century Bishop of Sherborne, England.

Wilbert appeared in the U.S. Top 1000 between 1880 & 1990 and peaked at #160 in 1920.

Recent notable bearers include English children’s author of Thomas the Tank Engine Fame, Wilbert Awdrey (1911-1997) & American singer & songwriter, Wilbert Harrison (1929-1994).

Wilbert is also used in German-speaking countries, French-speaking countries (now rare), the Netherlands and in the Scandinavian countries.

Other forms include:

• Willibert (German)
• Willabertus (Late Latin)

Common English short forms are Wilby, Will & Willy.

Sources

• http://dmnes.org/name/Wilbert
• https://www.nordicnames.de/wiki/Wilbert
• https://www.behindthename.com/name/wilbert