Meaning: Its source is Adalbrecht, an Ancient Germanic name meaning "Exalted, shining with fame."

Nickname For: Albert, Bertram, Gilbert, Herbert, Hubert, Lambert, Norbert, Robert and Wilbert

Narrative: When Britain's Queen Victoria married the Prince of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha in 1840, she brought his name to the attention of the English-speaking world. Prince Albert proceeded to load the name with positive associations, displaying a lively intelligence and a sincere interest in the welfare of his adopted people.

In the 20th century, a prince of a different order put his stamp upon the name. Physicist Albert Einstein (1879-1955) not only had an enormous impact on science, but also used his fame and the respect accorded to his great intellect to advance many humanitarian concerns.

Meaning: Its source is berht, an Ancient Germanic name meaning "Brilliant."

Nickname For: Alberta, Albertina and Bertha

Popularity: The name Bertie ranked 978th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Though this name has fluctuated in use, it has been quietly present throughout the last century.

Narrative: Brilliance is a recurring name idea, as shown in this name as well as Clara, Helen and a form of the Chinese name Ming.

The breadth of the idea can best be understood by studying the pictogram that represents the Chinese name. It shows the sun with the moon reflecting its light, and stands not only for brightness and clarity, but also for understanding, aptitude and fame.