- 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