Robert comes from the Germanic name Hrodebert meaning "bright fame" (derived from the elements hrod - "fame" and beraht - "bright"). The name was introduced to England by the Normans, replacing the Old English cognate Hreodbeorht. The name has been one the of the most consistently popular English names for centuries (from the Middle Ages to today), although it reached its peak in the early 20th century. It is also used as a surname.