FROM De Niro, Downy Jnr and Pattinson, to Plant, Burns and even The Bruce – there have been lots of famous Roberts in the world.

But according to arguably one of Northwich’s most famous Roberts it’s a name that runs the risk of extinction.

Despite there being more than 730,000 Roberts in the UK today only 511 were born last year – the second-lowest number since 1926.

Which is why the homegrown Rudheath bakery has launched a new ad campaign to celebrate the nation’s ‘remarkable Roberts’ in a bid to overturn this downward trend.Northwich Guardian:

“There are many famous Roberts flying the flag for their namesakes all over the world – such as British actors Carlyle, Coltrane and Pattinson, their US counterparts Redford, Downey Jnr and De Niro, musicians Williams, Plant and Palmer. Not forgetting Polish footballer Robert Lewandowski and reality and Strictly star Rinder,” said Roberts bakery’s Megan Harrison. 

The bakery is on the look-out for other Roberts out there who are doing truly remarkable things.

“We’ve got high hopes that our most modern-day Roberts – such as TikTok stars Donnelly, Carroll, Georges and White – will join in our campaign to bring our name back to its former glory,” said Megan.

In the 1940s, Robert was firmly within the top five boys’ names in England and Wales before dropping into the top 20 where it stayed until the early nineties. Even in 1996, more than 2,600 babies born with the name, but since then its popularity has dwindled – down as low as 115 in the popularity charts.

Baby name expert SJ Strum, from Channelmum.com, said: “The name Robert means Bright Fame so surely that is worth saving from extinction?

“It’s true that the original has certainly dropped out of favour, but nicknames derived from it have not, so modern parents have honoured Robert as recently as 2019 with Bobby for a boy and Bobbie for a girl – both soaring up the charts to 68 and 73 respectively.”

Are you a ‘remarkable Robert – or do you know one? You can add your story, or tag a Robert who is, on one of the bakery’s social media channels using the hashtag #RemarkablyRoberts.