The name Gilbert has its origins in the Germanic languages, deriving from the Old German "Gisil" meaning "bright pledge" or "illustrious pledge", and "berht" meaning "bright" or "brilliant". The name was popular among the Franks and emerged in the 8th century AD.

It is believed that the earliest recorded instance of the name Gilbert dates back to the 8th century in the Frankish Empire, where it was borne by several notable figures. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Gilbert, Count of Angoulême, who lived in the 9th century.

In the 11th century, the name gained prominence with Gilbert de Clare, Lord of Glamorgan, a powerful Norman baron who played a significant role in the Norman conquest of Wales. Another notable figure from this period was Gilbert Foliot, a Benedictine monk and Bishop of Hereford in the 12th century.

During the Middle Ages, the name was widely used across Europe, particularly in France and England. One of the most famous bearers of the name was Gilbert de la Porrée, a French theologian and philosopher of the 12th century, known for his works on the Trinity and his influential teachings.

In the 13th century, the name was carried by Gilbert de Sempringham, an English priest and founder of the Gilbertine Order, a monastic order that followed the Augustinian rule. Another notable figure from this time was Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester and one of the most powerful barons of England during the reign of King Henry III.

The Renaissance period saw the name Gilbert associated with several notable individuals, including Gilbert Crispin, an English monk and hagiographer in the 12th century, and Gilbert Motier de La Fayette, a French aristocrat and military officer who played a pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War, born in 1757.

Over the centuries, the name Gilbert has been borne by many other notable figures across various fields, including writers, scientists, and artists. It continues to be a popular name in various cultures, carrying a rich historical legacy and a sense of brightness and illustriousness.