Norbert

Norbert is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. It is ultimately derived from the Latin name Norbertus, which in turn comes from Old High German elements meaning "north" and "bright" — effectively "bright north" or "northern brightness." The name has been used throughout Europe and remains common in German-speaking and neighboring countries, as well as in various Romance-language regions in adapted forms.

Saint Norbert of Xanten (c. 1080–1134), also known as Norbert of Xanten, was a German church reformer who founded the Premonstratensian order, a medieval monastic group. He played a significant role in Catholic reform movements of his era and was canonized in the 12th century. The saint's legacy contributed to the name's enduring ecclesiastical association in Europe.

Notable individuals named Norbert include Norbert Wiener (1894–1964), an American mathematician and founder of cybernetics; Norbert Elias (1897–1990), a German sociologist known for his work on the civilizing process; Norbert Rillieux (1803–1894), an inventor whose vacuum pan evaporator revolutionized sugar processing; and Norbert Leo Butz (born 1967), an American actor and performer. In contemporary usage, the name is found across multiple countries and cultures.

Variations of the name occur in different languages, such as Norberto in Spanish and Italian, and Norbert in Dutch and English forms. While most commonly a given name, Norbert may also appear as a surname in rare instances.