name
Common
Herbert
HUR-buht
Herbert (name) means a male given name of Germanic origin. Example: “Her grandfather was named Herbert after his own grandfather.”
name
1
A male given name of Germanic origin.
"To be clear what we're talking about, read Cronon's piece. He offers a great introduction to the concept, and its originator, Herbert Butterfield."
— Rebekah Higgitt, Why whiggish won't do (2012)
"Her grandfather was named Herbert after his own grandfather."
noun
1
British slang for a foolish or unimpressive person, especially a man.
"Stop acting like such a herbert and just apologise."
How to use Herbert
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAs a name, a traditional male first name; as slang (mainly British), a mildly mocking word for a silly or clueless person.
When to use it
The slang sense is informal British English and mildly derogatory but usually good-humoured.
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Word forms
- Plural
- herberts
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Her grandfather was named _____ after his own grandfather.
Etymology
From Old French Herbert, itself from a Frankish name combining elements meaning "army" and "bright."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “Herbert” mean?
The word “Herbert” means a male given name of Germanic origin. In plain terms, as a name, a traditional male first name; as slang (mainly British), a mildly mocking word for a silly or clueless person.
How do you pronounce “Herbert”?
“Herbert” is pronounced HUR-buht (/ˈhɝbɚt/ in IPA).
How do you use “Herbert” in a sentence?
Here is “Herbert” used in a sentence: “Her grandfather was named Herbert after his own grandfather.”
What part of speech is “Herbert”?
Depending on how it is used, “Herbert” can be a name and a noun.
Where does the word “Herbert” come from?
The word “Herbert” comes from Old French. From Old French Herbert, itself from a Frankish name combining elements meaning "army" and "bright.".
Is “Herbert” a common word?
“Herbert” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Herbert” have?
“Herbert” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a male given name of Germanic origin.
What does it mean to call someone a herbert in British slang?
In British slang, calling someone a herbert means describing them as a foolish or unimpressive person, especially a man. It is an informal, mildly mocking term rather than a harsh insult.
Is herbert used as slang outside the UK?
The slang use of herbert to mean a foolish or unimpressive person is specifically British and is not widely recognized or used in American or other varieties of English. Outside the UK, Herbert is generally understood only as a personal given name.
What is the origin of Herbert as a given name?
Herbert is a male given name of Germanic origin, historically formed from elements meaning army and bright or famous. It has long been used as a traditional English first name, separate from its later informal slang meaning.
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