A male name. Old German Landoberct, Landebert, compound of landa ‘land’ and berhta ‘bright’. There was a corresponding Old English name but it was uncommon, and there is little doubt that the popularity of the name from the 12th to 15th C was due to Flemish influence. St Lambert, a 7th-C Bishop of Maestricht, was much venerated in the Low Countries, and his name became a favourite there. In Middle English the form Lambard is found (cf. Hubbard for Hubert, Robard for Robert, &c.) and the diminutive Lambin and Lambkin were common. The name became rare after the 16th C but is still sometimes used.

Lambertus Domesday Book 1086, Curia Regis Rolls 1196-1215, Hundred Rolls 1273. Lambekin Curia Regis Rolls 1213-15. Lambard Hundred Rolls 1273. Lambin Hundred Rolls 1273, Exchequer Rolls 1300. Lambert The Coventry Leet Book 1574.

Teutonic, ‘country’s brightness’ (? one who is the pride of the nation). This ambitious and encouraging m. name has spread, from Germany, not only to Holland and England as is natural enough, but also to France. In the English-speaking world, it is now more common as a sur- than as a font-name.

This name has been absurdly translated ‘bright or fair lamb.’ It has been corrupted from the Old German name Laudbert, Lantprecht; from land-brecht, one distinguished among the people.

A Teutonic name, meaning: His country’s glory.