The name Roberto is derived from the Germanic name Robert, which in turn comes from the old Germanic words "hruod" meaning "fame" and "berht" meaning "bright". The name Roberto is the Spanish and Italian form of Robert.

Roberto first appeared in historical records in the 8th century during the reign of the Frankish king Charlemagne. It was a popular name among the Normans who spread it throughout Europe after their conquest of England in 1066.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Roberto is Roberto Guiscardo, a Norman adventurer born around 1015 who became Duke of Apulia and Calabria in southern Italy. He played a key role in the Norman conquest of southern Italy and Sicily.

Another notable historical figure was Roberto d'Angiò, born in 1278, who was the King of Naples from 1309 until his death in 1343. He was a skilled military leader and patron of the arts.

In the 15th century, Roberto Valturio (1405-1475) was an Italian engineer and writer who authored one of the first printed books on military technology and tactics.

Roberto Bellarmine (1542-1621) was an Italian Jesuit and a cardinal of the Catholic Church. He was one of the most important figures in the Counter-Reformation and is a Doctor of the Church.

Roberto Clemente (1934-1972) was a Puerto Rican professional baseball player who spent his entire 18-year career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was an exceptional hitter and outfielder, and the first Latin American player to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.