Gilbert is a given name of Norman-French origin,[1] itself from Germanic Gisilberht or Gisalberht.

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 spread in France and was introduced to England by the Normans, where it was popular during the Middle Ages.

Variant spellings have evolved throughout Europe, including the Iberian/Italian version Gilberto and, as was the custom across Europe, given a Latin language version Gilbertus, to be used alongside a person's native variant.

The diminutives Gil, Gillie and Bert eventually became popular as a standalone given name or nickname.