Lambert is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German words "land" meaning "land" and "berht" meaning "bright". Thus, Lambert means "bright land" or "shining land".
The name Lambert has been used throughout history by several notable figures. One of the most famous was Saint Lambert (c. 635 - 700 AD), who was a bishop in Liège, Belgium. He is known for his generous deeds and miracles and is considered the patron saint of that region.
In medieval times, Lambert was also a common name among nobility and royalty. Several count palatines and dukes of Bavaria held the name Lambert throughout the Middle Ages.
Today, Lambert is still used as a given name but has become more popular in recent years. It is considered a strong and distinguished name with a rich historical background.
The name Lambert has seen a fluctuating trend in popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 3495 babies being named Lambert since 1881.
In the late 19th century and early 20th century, Lambert was quite popular, with the highest number of births occurring in 1916 (88 births) and 1917 (85 births). During this period, the name seemed to peak around World War I, suggesting that perhaps the strong and steadfast nature associated with the name Lambert resonated with parents during a time of great turmoil.
However, as time passed, the popularity of the name began to wane. After reaching its peak in the early 1900s, the number of babies named Lambert dropped significantly by the mid-20th century. In fact, between 1950 and 1970, there were fewer than 40 births per year on average.
Since then, the name Lambert has continued to be used sporadically, with some years seeing more than ten births and others seeing less than five. The most recent data shows that in 2022, there were 10 babies named Lambert in the United States.
Despite its ups and downs in popularity, the name Lambert continues to hold a unique place in American naming history, serving as a testament to the diverse and ever-changing trends of baby names over time.