The name Bert is a shortened form of the Germanic name Bertram or Bertrand, which is derived from the Old Germanic elements "berhta" meaning "bright" and "hraban" meaning "raven." It is believed that the name originated in the early medieval period, around the 5th to 8th centuries.

The earliest recorded use of the name Bert is found in the Domesday Book, a record of landowners in England compiled in 1086 under the orders of William the Conqueror. In the book, a landowner named "Bert" is mentioned as holding lands in Hampshire.

One of the earliest notable figures to bear the name Bert was Bert, Count of Andechs, a German nobleman who lived in the 12th century. He was a prominent figure in the Holy Roman Empire and played a significant role in the politics of the time.

Another historical figure named Bert was Bert Brecht, a German playwright and poet who lived from 1898 to 1956. He is renowned for his plays such as "The Threepenny Opera" and "Mother Courage and Her Children," which explored social and political themes.

In the United States, one of the earliest recorded uses of the name Bert was Bert Williams, an influential African American entertainer and comedian who lived from 1874 to 1922. He is considered a pioneering figure in vaudeville and helped pave the way for future African American performers.

Bert Lahr, an American actor and comedian who lived from 1895 to 1967, is also remembered for his iconic role as the Cowardly Lion in the 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz." His performance is widely regarded as one of the most memorable in the classic movie.

Another notable figure named Bert was Bert Hellinger, a German philosopher and psychotherapist who lived from 1925 to 2019. He developed a therapeutic approach known as Family Constellation Therapy, which focuses on exploring and resolving family dynamics and inherited patterns.

While the name Bert has its roots in Germanic languages, it has been adopted and used in various cultures throughout history, reflecting the widespread influence and migration of people bearing this name.