name
Uncommon
Rupert
ROOPT
Rupert (name) means a male given name of Germanic origin. Example: “Their son was named Rupert after his grandfather.”
name
1
A male given name of Germanic origin.
"“Gossip” is about a lot more than just juicy tidbits and the columnists that peddle them, presenting a multifaceted look at gossip’s role in the newspaper/media ecosystem and at Rupert Murdoch’s enterprises in particular."
— Brian Lowry, ‘Gossip’ charts how tabloid tattlers ‘escaped from their cages’ and rippled through the media (2021)
"Their son was named Rupert after his grandfather."
"A St Oswald's boy can pass off a name like Orlando, can make it sound like peppermint. Even Rupert sounds somehow cool when attached to a navy-blue St Oswald's blazer."
— Joanne Harris, blueeyedboy (2010)
noun
1
British slang for a young, inexperienced army officer, often from a privileged background.
"The sergeant grumbled about babysitting yet another rupert fresh out of officer training."
How to use Rupert
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMainly a personal name, though in British military slang it can mean a green junior officer.
When to use it
The slang "young officer" sense is informal British military usage.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Ruperts
Fill the gap
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Their son was named _____ after his grandfather.
Etymology
A German name brought to England by Prince Rupert of the Rhine in the 17th century; a doublet of "Robert."
Class of 1600
Rupert joined the language around 1600.
See the full Class of 1600 →
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “Rupert” mean?
The word “Rupert” means a male given name of Germanic origin. In plain terms, mainly a personal name, though in British military slang it can mean a green junior officer.
How do you pronounce “Rupert”?
“Rupert” is pronounced ROOPT (/ˈɹupɚt/ in IPA).
How do you use “Rupert” in a sentence?
Here is “Rupert” used in a sentence: “Their son was named Rupert after his grandfather.”
What part of speech is “Rupert”?
Depending on how it is used, “Rupert” can be a name and a noun.
Where does the word “Rupert” come from?
The word “Rupert” dates back to around 1600 and comes from German. A German name brought to England by Prince Rupert of the Rhine in the 17th century; a doublet of "Robert.".
Is “Rupert” a common word?
“Rupert” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Rupert” have?
“Rupert” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a male given name of Germanic origin.
What does 'Rupert' mean in British slang?
In British slang, a Rupert refers to a young, inexperienced army officer, often one from a privileged background. The term is used somewhat mockingly by other ranks to poke fun at officers seen as posh or green.
Is calling someone a 'Rupert' insulting?
Yes, it is generally used as a mildly disparaging or teasing term within military circles, implying the person is inexperienced and comes from an upper-class background rather than having earned respect through experience. It is informal slang rather than a neutral descriptive term.
Why is the name Rupert used for this slang meaning?
The slang use of Rupert plays on the name's association with a certain upper-class, traditionally English image, applying the personal name as a stereotype for a particular type of officer. This is separate from Rupert's regular use as a male given name of Germanic origin.
