Herbert

Herbert descends from the Old German Heribert, "bright army," and traveled through Norman French into English, then into Polish and Central European registries alongside the wider medieval movement of Germanic names. It peaked in American usage in the 1890s and early 1900s, gave the twentieth century Herbert Hoover and Herbie Hancock, then receded into firmly grandfather territory. Two syllables with the slight hesitation of that inner er. Currently well outside common circulation, which lends the name a quiet dignity and the potential for comeback favored by parents mining the vintage shelves. The nickname Herb is utilitarian, Bertie almost British-boyish. Old-fashioned in the best, least showy way.