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Gilbert

'''Gilbert''' is an English and . It may also refer to:

People

Given name

Gilbert is a masculine of Norman-French , derived from the Old Germanic elements gisal ("pledge" or "") and beraht ("bright"), translating to "bright pledge." The name was introduced to by the after their conquest in and became common during the , as evidenced by its frequent appearance in historical records like the . Among notable historical figures bearing the name, William Schwenck Gilbert (1836–1911) stands out as an English dramatist, poet, and librettist, renowned for his comic operas created in collaboration with composer , which formed the basis of the tradition. Another prominent example is Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (1757–1834), a French aristocrat and military leader who played a key role as a general in the , aiding the Continental Army and forging a close alliance with . In the modern era, individuals named Gilbert include (born 1982), an American former professional basketball player who had a successful career in the , earning three All-Star selections during his tenure with teams like the . Additionally, (1955–2022) was an American comedian, actor, and voice-over artist celebrated for his raspy voice and irreverent humor, with memorable roles in films like (as the parrot ) and on television shows such as . The Gilbert experienced peak usage in English-speaking countries during the and , reflecting broader trends in traditional Germanic-derived names; in the United States, it reached its highest ranking of #90 in 1930, while in the , popularity crested in the early 20th century before declining post-World War II.

Surname

The Gilbert originated as a derived from the medieval Gilbert, of Norman-French and ancient Germanic roots, specifically from the elements gīsil (meaning "pledge," "hostage," or "noble youth") and beraht ("bright"), translating to "bright pledge." Introduced to following the of 1066, it became widespread in Anglo-Norman regions and evolved into a hereditary by the . Common variants include Gilberts (pluralized form) and Gilberto (in and contexts). The is prevalent in English-speaking countries, particularly due to historical patterns from , , and . In the , it ranks as the 243rd most common , with approximately 114,940 bearers recorded in the 2010 , reflecting influences from Anglo-Norman settlers and later European waves. Similar distributions appear in the , , and , where it remains among the top 500 surnames. Notable individuals with the surname Gilbert have made significant contributions across science, architecture, sports, and business. In science, William Gilbert (1544–1603) was an English physician and natural philosopher whose seminal work De Magnete (1600) advanced the study of magnetism by demonstrating that Earth functions as a giant magnet and compiling early observations on electrical attraction, for which he coined the term "electric" from the Greek ēlektron (amber). In architecture and the arts, (1859–1934) was a prominent known for his Beaux-Arts and Gothic Revival designs, most famously the in (completed 1913), which stood as the world's tallest structure at 792 feet until 1930 and exemplified early 20th-century skyscraper innovation. In sports, (born 1997) is an professional baseball pitcher for the Seattle Mariners, recognized as an MLB All-Star in 2024 for his standout performance, including a 3.23 ERA over 33 starts that season. In business and sports ownership, (born 1962) is an billionaire and founder of Quicken Loans (now ), who has owned the NBA's since 2005 and expanded into media with the launch of the Rock Entertainment Sports Network in 2024.

Fictional characters

In literature, one of the most iconic fictional characters named Gilbert is from L.M. Montgomery's series, first published between 1908 and 1927. Blythe begins as Anne Shirley's academic rival and childhood teaser in the town of Avonlea, but evolves into her devoted interest and eventual husband; he pursues a career as a , reflecting themes of redemption and steadfast support. His character embodies the archetype of a charming, intelligent young man who matures into a reliable partner, influencing countless adaptations of the series across stage, film, and television. In film and television, Gilbert Grape serves as the protagonist of Peter Hedges' 1991 novel What's Eating Gilbert Grape, adapted into a 1993 film directed by Lasse Hallström. Portrayed by Johnny Depp in the movie, Grape is a 24-year-old grocery store clerk in the stagnant small town of Endora, Iowa, burdened with caring for his morbidly obese mother, intellectually disabled younger brother Arnie, and two sisters amid personal frustrations and a fleeting affair. The narrative highlights his internal conflict between familial duty and aspirations for escape, establishing him as a symbol of quiet endurance in dysfunctional American family dramas. A more recent example appears in the 2024 Netflix series Bodkin, where Gilbert, played by Will Forte, is a skeptical true-crime podcaster investigating disappearances in an Irish village, blending humor with dark mystery as part of an unlikely investigative trio. In and , Gilbert is the name of the orange belonging to the titular preschooler in the Canadian animated series , which aired from 1997 to 2010 and remains popular in reruns and streaming. As the family's mischievous yet affectionate pet, Gilbert often appears in episodes as a playful companion, getting into scrapes that teach lessons about responsibility and empathy, and he recurs across over 140 episodes as one of the show's most endearing supporting characters. Fictional Gilberts across often share tropes of reliability and quirkiness, frequently as supportive figures—whether leads like Blythe, overburdened caretakers like , or pets like Gilbert the cat—who navigate adversity with wit or , underscoring themes of companionship in coming-of-age or stories. This pattern highlights the name's versatility in portraying relatable, endearing everymen rather than larger-than-life heroes.

Places

Australia

In Australia, several geographical and administrative features bear the name Gilbert, most of which commemorate John Gilbert (1810–1845), an English naturalist and explorer who joined Ludwig Leichhardt's overland expedition from to Port Essington and was killed by near the Mitchell River two weeks before the party's arrival at their destination. Gilbert River is a rural locality in the Shire of Etheridge, , encompassing areas tied to the historic Gilberton goldfield, which was proclaimed in 1869 following discoveries by geologist Richard Daintree and became a bustling center approximately 480 km west-northwest of . The gold rush drew diverse prospectors, including significant numbers of miners who contributed to the field's output before its decline by the mid-1870s, leaving behind remnants of infrastructure amid the landscape. Today, the locality supports a small population engaged primarily in cattle grazing and ongoing mineral exploration, reflecting the region's transition from to pastoral and extractive industries. The in , after which the locality is named, originates in the about 150 km southeast of and flows northwest for roughly 540 km, draining a vast catchment of approximately 46,700 km² before emptying into the . This sustains critical ecological functions in the , including perennial waterholes that provide refugia for aquatic species during dry seasons and support biodiversity in surrounding eucalypt woodlands and grasslands. The river holds deep cultural significance for the Ewamian People, the traditional owners whose extends across the upper Gilbert and Einasleigh catchments, encompassing registered Aboriginal cultural sites such as scarred trees and stone artifacts that reflect millennia of sustainable land management practices. In , the Gilbert River arises near Manoora in the Mid North region and flows southward for about 59 km through undulating hills and agricultural plains, primarily used for cropping and livestock grazing, before joining the River near Port . The river's features riparian like river red gums and supports freshwater habitats intermittently affected by seasonal flows and upstream , contributing to local in a predominantly rural setting. The Division of Gilbert is a federal electoral division in South Australia, established through a 2016 redistribution under the Commonwealth Electoral Act to represent growing rural populations, encompassing approximately 5,852 km² of countryside including the Barossa Valley wine region and surrounding agricultural districts from the Adelaide Hills to the Yorke Peninsula foothills. First contested at the 2019 election, it highlights the area's economic reliance on viticulture, horticulture, and dryland farming, with a focus on balancing development and environmental conservation in one of the state's key food and wine producing zones.

Kiribati

The form a chain of 16 atolls and coral islands in the central , constituting the eastern and main portion of the Republic of . These low-lying islands span approximately 280 square kilometers of land area and are home to around 115,000 people as of 2025 estimates, representing over 90 percent of Kiribati's total population. The islands are characterized by their remote, scattered nature across a vast maritime expanse, with elevations rarely exceeding a few meters above , making them particularly vulnerable to environmental changes. The islands were named the in the 1820s by Russian admiral Johann von Krusenstern, honoring captain , who had sighted several of them in 1788 during a voyage from . European contact intensified in the , leading to British declaration of a over the in 1892, which became a in 1916 and lasted until self-governance in 1977, followed by full independence as on July 12, 1979. During , the played a pivotal role in the Pacific theater as a strategic target for Allied forces; the U.S. invasion in November 1943, particularly the fierce , marked one of the first major amphibious assaults against Japanese-held positions, resulting in significant casualties but securing a key foothold for further advances. Among the prominent islands are , the national capital and most populous with over 71,000 residents as of 2025 concentrated in its southern lagoon side (); Abaiang, known for its historical mission sites and traditional villages; and Marakei, a northern featuring unique inland lakes and mining remnants. These islands face acute threats from rising sea levels, with projections indicating increased flooding risks that could inundate up to 30 percent of land by 2050, exacerbating and into freshwater lenses critical for drinking water. The inhabitants, predominantly ethnic I-Kiribati of Micronesian descent, maintain a rich centered on communal traditions such as gatherings in open-air maneaba meeting houses for decision-making and feasts, alongside the (Taetae ni Kiribati), an Austronesian tongue spoken by nearly all residents and integral to oral histories, navigation lore, and daily life.

United States

Gilbert, Arizona, is a suburban town in Maricopa County, located southeast of in the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area. With a population estimated at 293,630 as of 2025, it ranks as one of the fastest-growing communities in the , driven by its appeal as a destination with low rates—often recognized as the safest city of its size for over a decade. Originally settled in the late as an agricultural hub focused on and other crops, Gilbert transitioned into a tech and innovation center in the late , benefiting from proximity to major employers in semiconductors, , and . Its thrives on a diverse mix of high-tech industries, , and healthcare, with a median household income of $121,351 and a poverty rate of 5.13%. Recent growth, accelerated by the post-2020 metro expansion, includes major infrastructure projects like the Ocotillo Road extension from to Higley Road, completed to enhance connectivity and support commercial development. In 2025, approvals for large-scale mixed-use projects, such as the $1 billion The Ranch development encompassing 3 million square feet of light industrial space, , and residential units, underscore ongoing economic momentum. Smaller locales named Gilbert dot the , often reflecting rural or industrial roots. Gilbert, Louisiana, a village in Franklin Parish, has a of approximately 431 residents as of 2025 and centers on , particularly soybean, corn, and farming, which form the backbone of its local economy. Established in the early 20th century amid the Mississippi Delta's fertile lands, it maintains a close-knit with a household income of $49,750. In , Gilbert is an incorporated city in Story County near Ames, with about 1,444 inhabitants as of 2025, known for its agricultural heritage and role in supporting Iowa State University's surrounding economy through farming and small businesses. Demographics show a predominantly (approximately 90%) with a age of around 42 as of 2023, and it has grown steadily post-2020 due to . Further examples include , a city in County's with a of 1,646 as of 2025, historically tied to that peaked in the mid-20th century and shaped its working-class identity. The local economy now blends legacy operations with and services, yielding a of $62,625, though modest decline in recent years reflects broader regional challenges. , , is a in County with 628 residents as of 2025, featuring a rural-suburban character focused on residential living and proximity to Columbia's job market in and . Its traces to post-Civil War settlement, with a demographic makeup of approximately 82% White residents and a supporting family-oriented growth. In , is a town in County's coal-rich region, 296 as of 2025, where has long dominated the economy despite industry contractions, leading to a of $53,625 and an aging age of 51.8. Notable historical structures include the Page–Gilbert House in , a late-19th-century Victorian residence built around 1893 by British stonemason Christopher Page, who contributed to the Texas State Capitol's construction. Located at 3913 Avenue G in the Hyde Park Historic District, the Queen Anne-style home features pyramidal roof elements and intricate stonework, earning its place on the in 1990 for architectural significance.

Outer space

In outer space, several astronomical features bear the name Gilbert, primarily honoring notable scientists through the International Astronomical Union's (IAU) nomenclature conventions, which assign names to craters, asteroids, and other bodies to commemorate individuals' contributions to science. The most prominent is Gilbert, a large lunar impact crater located near the Moon's eastern limb at 3.2° S, 76.16° E, with a diameter of 108 km. Named after American geologist Grove Karl Gilbert (1843–1918), who pioneered the impact origin theory for lunar craters in his 1893 paper "The Moon's Face," the feature exemplifies early recognition of meteoritic bombardment in solar system history. Formed approximately 3.8 billion years ago during the Imbrian period, Gilbert exhibits classic impact morphology, including terraced walls, a central peak rising about 3 km, and an eroded floor partially filled with ejecta from nearby basins like Crisium. Its position in the lunar highlands makes it a key site for studying the Moon's ancient bombardment and crustal evolution, with orbital imagery from missions like Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter revealing ray patterns and secondary craters that highlight its geological relevance. Among minor planets, (429733) Gilbertbaker is a notable recent addition, an Amor-type discovered on June 6, 2011, by the Sky Survey. Named in March 2025 by the IAU's for Small Bodies after artist and activist Gilbert Baker (1951–2017), who designed the rainbow flag, it measures roughly 1–2 km in diameter and orbits with a semi-major axis of about 1.5 , posing no immediate threat but contributing to studies of populations. This naming reflects the IAU's of honoring diverse figures, linking historical scientific legacy to modern cultural impact. No exoplanets or major space missions named Gilbert have been officially designated as of 2025, though IAU guidelines continue to evolve for emerging discoveries in extrasolar systems.

Arts and entertainment

Music

, born Raymond Edward O'Sullivan on 1 December 1946 in , , is an renowned for his early pop hits that blended ballads with poignant, narrative-driven lyrics. After moving to , , at age seven, he adopted the stage name and gained international fame with his debut album Himself (1971), which included the melancholic single "Alone Again (Naturally)". This track topped the and the US in 1972, selling over six million copies worldwide and earning a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year. Follow-up releases like "" (1972) and "Get Down" (1973), both UK number-one singles, solidified his status as a key figure in , with themes of loneliness and everyday emotion resonating across audiences. O'Sullivan's music, often self-produced and featuring his distinctive barefoot, flat-capped persona, influenced subsequent singer-songwriters and continues to chart in compilations today. The partnership of and stands as a cornerstone of English , yielding 14 operettas from 1871 to 1896 that satirized through clever librettos and tuneful scores. Sullivan's compositions, including the overture and ensembles in (1878), the patter songs of (1879), and the exotic melodies of (1885), complemented Gilbert's sharp-witted words, creating works that premiered at the and ran for hundreds of performances each. These Savoy Operas, such as (1882) and (1888), incorporated elements of burlesque and , with Sullivan's music drawing from operatic traditions while parodying them for comic effect. The duo's scores have been performed globally for over a century, with recordings and revivals preserving their blend of humor and harmony. Gilbert's name also appears in contemporary musical adaptations, notably the 2005 musical Anne & Gilbert, a sequel to Anne of Green Gables that centers on the romance between and . The original cast recording features songs like "Gilbert Loves " and "Mr. Blythe", performed by leads Marla McLean and Peter Deiwick, capturing the story's themes of young love and island life through folk-infused pop arrangements. This production, which toured and the US, highlights how literary characters named Gilbert inspire modern soundtracks blending traditional and indie elements. The historical roots of Gilbert-associated music trace to the Victorian era's music halls, where W. S. Gilbert honed his satirical style in burlesques and extravaganzas that mocked social norms with lighthearted tunes and topical humor. These influences permeated the Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, elevating music hall's accessible, performative energy into enduring theatrical forms that shaped British musical comedy. Gilbert's early works, like Thespis (1871), their first collaboration, echoed the era's variety shows, fostering a legacy of witty, melody-rich compositions.

Theatre and literature

William Schwenck Gilbert (1836–1911), an English dramatist and librettist, is renowned for his librettos in 14 comic operas composed with between 1871 and 1896. These works, blending sharp , intricate , and absurd plots, include seminal pieces such as (1878), which satirized naval ; (1879), featuring a bumbling of pirates; and (1885), a fantastical take on court life that critiqued . The production of these Savoy operas was spearheaded by impresario , who established the in the 1870s to exclusively stage Gilbert and Sullivan's collaborations. In 1881, Carte opened the in , the first public building lit entirely by electricity, which hosted premieres like Iolanthe (1882) and The Gondoliers (1889), cementing the operas' cultural impact. The company upheld traditional performances until its closure in 1982, preserving the originals' style amid evolving theatrical norms. Gilbert's influence persists in modern theatre through frequent revivals that adapt his works for contemporary audiences while honoring their comic essence. In the 2020s, notable productions include the Gilbert & Sullivan Players' 50th anniversary season (2024–2025), offering fully staged renditions of multiple operas under founding artistic director Albert Bergeret. A reimagined production titled Pirates! The Penzance Musical, directed by and featuring innovative staging set in New Orleans, premiered on April 24, 2025, at the Roundabout Theatre Company's Theatre, with as the Pirate King. Regional efforts, such as Gilbert & Sullivan Austin's in June 2025—incorporating restored elements—and Central Florida Vocal Arts' 2024 mounting of , underscore ongoing enthusiasm for Gilbert's scripts. In literature, Gilbert serves as both subject and character, with biographies illuminating his life and fictional portrayals exploring the name's narrative potential. Jane W. Stedman's : A Classic Victorian and His Theatre (1996) provides a comprehensive analysis of his dramatic innovations and , drawing on extensive archives to highlight his pre-Sullivan plays and postwar influence. Earlier, Hesketh Pearson's Gilbert: His Life and Strife (1957) chronicles Gilbert's collaborations and conflicts, emphasizing his role in shaping British . Fictional examples include , the intelligent and steadfast suitor in Lucy Maud Montgomery's (1908), whose arc from rival to husband drives the series' romantic tension; and , the resilient family caretaker in Peter Hedges' (1991), whose story delves into small-town stagnation and personal sacrifice.

Film and television

One of the most notable films featuring "Gilbert" in its title is the 1993 drama , directed by . The story centers on Gilbert Grape, portrayed by , a young man in a small town burdened by family responsibilities, including caring for his intellectually disabled younger brother Arnie, played by . The film explores themes of stagnation and fleeting romance, with supporting roles by as Becky and as Betty Carver. It received critical acclaim, earning a 90% approval rating on , and grossed $7.8 million domestically against an $11 million budget. 's performance garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and a Golden Globe nomination in the same category. The movie has been culturally significant for its portrayal of small-town American life and DiCaprio's breakout role early in his career. In 2017, the documentary Gilbert, directed by Neil Berkeley, provided an intimate portrait of comedian , examining his career, personal life, and distinctive voice work in projects like . The film features interviews with Gottfried, his family, and peers, revealing his roots and the contrast between his public persona and private demeanor. It premiered at the and holds a 95% approval rating on , praised for its heartfelt insight into a misunderstood performer. Gilbert won the Special Jury Prize for Best at the 2017 DeadCENTER and the Audience Award at the 2017 . The documentary contributed to a renewed appreciation of Gottfried's legacy following his death in 2022, highlighting his influence on comedy and animation. On television, Gilbert appears as a recurring minor character in the animated series The Simpsons, primarily as Gil Gunderson, an unlucky and perpetually failing salesman known as "Ol' Gil." Introduced in the 1997 episode "Realty Bites," Gil struggles with various jobs, from real estate to door-to-door sales, often serving as comic relief for his hapless misfortunes. Voiced by actors including and in early appearances, the character embodies the archetype of the down-on-his-luck in Springfield's ensemble. Television adaptations of Gilbert and Sullivan's works have also featured prominently, including the 1982 TV movie The Pirates of Penzance, a filmed performance of their comic opera. Directed by Michael Geliot and choreographed by Gillian Lynne, it stars George Cook as the Pirate King and Pamela Stephenson as Mabel, capturing the operetta's satirical take on duty and piracy with elaborate staging from the Royal Opera House. Broadcast on PBS as part of the Great Performances series, the production earned praise for its faithful yet accessible rendition of the 1879 work, introducing the duo's humor to broader audiences. Recent years have seen additional screen projects involving "Gilbert." The 2024 short film Gilbert, directed by Jiménez, Arturo Lacal, and Salu, explores a of personal discovery in a compact 13-minute format. In 2025, the The Legend of Gilbert Flay depicts a encountering events at a , blending with found-footage elements. Netflix announced The Granville Girls, a series of Cat Cahill's "Gilbert Girls" western romance novels, in October 2025 (in development, no premiere date announced). Additionally, the Netflix docuseries Untold: Guards (2025) chronicles the infamous 2009 gun incident involving NBA players and , examining its impact on their careers and the league. These works underscore the name's versatility across genres, from to sports biography.

Institutions and organizations

Education

The Gilbert School in , is a privately endowed public high school serving grades 7 through 12 for the towns of and Hartland. Established in 1895 through a bequest from industrialist William L. Gilbert, it was designed to provide comprehensive to local youth, incorporating classical curricula inspired by academies while evolving to include modern programs like courses and career technical . With an enrollment of approximately 450 students and a student-teacher ratio of 11:1, the school emphasizes ethical development, problem-solving, and , awarding over $130,000 annually in scholarships to support pursuits. Notable alumni include consumer advocate and presidential candidate (class of 1951), who credits the school's rigorous academics for shaping his career, and military nurse Evelyn Weigold Crane (class of 1937), recognized for her WWII service and later leadership in nursing . Gilbert Academy in New Orleans, Louisiana, stands as a pivotal institution in African American education history, originating in 1863 as the Colored Orphans' Home to shelter children orphaned by the Civil War. Renamed in honor of benefactor Dr. Benjamin F. Gilbert, it transitioned into a preparatory academy by the late 19th century and became Louisiana's first accredited four-year high school for Black students in 1915, offering college-preparatory courses amid widespread segregation. Integrated into New Orleans University in 1919, it continued fostering leadership until its closure in 1949, when it was sold to the Archdiocese of New Orleans, driven by desegregation efforts that shifted students to integrated public schools, marking both a triumph in equitable access and the challenges of transitioning post-Brown v. Board of Education. The academy's legacy includes producing influential figures such as civil rights leader and U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young, jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis Jr., and mathematician Marjorie Lee Browne, who advanced STEM education for minorities after teaching there early in her career. In , Gilbert Classical Academy operates as a tuition-free within Gilbert Public Schools, serving grades 7 through 12 with a focus on classical to build character and academic excellence. Launched in 2007 to replace the district's Tech and Leadership Academy, it has grown rapidly due to high demand, prompting expansion discussions in the , including potential relocations to accommodate overcrowding at up to 179% capacity. Ranked among Arizona's top public high schools by , it integrates honors and AP coursework with Socratic seminars, contributing to strong college placement rates and national recognition for innovative practices. Post-pandemic, the academy has emphasized initiatives, with students earning accolades in 2025 for assistive technology innovations through the Makers of Change Challenge and participating in district-wide solution projects. Internationally, the Gilbert Institute in Sandys Parish, Bermuda, exemplifies evolving public education challenges, founded in 1933 as a primary school under the influence of Education Director C.G.C. Gilbert to serve local communities. Operating as a middle school for grades 4 through 8, it has provided foundational education to hundreds of students over eight decades, celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2008 with emphasis on cultural heritage and academic growth. However, facing declining enrollment post-pandemic, the Bermudian government announced its closure at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year as part of broader education reforms aimed at consolidating resources and improving equity across 36 schools. The school closed in June 2025, affecting around 100 students who transitioned to nearby institutions, highlighting the institute's historical role in community-based public education while underscoring ongoing efforts to adapt to demographic shifts and enhance post-COVID recovery in global schooling systems.

Transportation

The USS Gilbert Islands (CVE-107) was a Commencement Bay-class of the , laid down on 29 November 1943 and launched on 20 July 1944 by Todd-Pacific Shipyards in . Commissioned on 5 February 1945 under K. Rice, the vessel displaced approximately 10,900 long tons and achieved a top speed of 19 knots, with an armament including two 5-inch guns, eight 40 mm guns, and 16 20 mm guns. During , it conducted shakedown training off before departing for on 12 April 1945, arriving at in the by 14 May to join Task Unit 30.8.1. The carrier provided combat air patrols and strikes against Japanese positions off Okinawa starting 21 May 1945, bombed airfields in the Sakishima Gunto from 1 to 16 June, supported Australian landings at Balikpapan, Borneo, from 30 June to 4 July, screened Third Fleet logistics operations off Japan from 29 July to 15 August, and covered Nationalist Chinese landings at Kiirun, Formosa, in September. Decommissioned on 21 May 1946 at Norfolk, Virginia, it was recommissioned on 7 September 1951 at Philadelphia for Atlantic Fleet service, including exercises and ferry duties, before final decommissioning on 15 January 1955 at Boston; stricken from the Navy List on 1 June 1961, it was reinstated and renamed USS Annapolis (AGMR-1) on 22 June 1963 for communications relay roles until decommissioning again on 20 December 1969. The &GS Gilbert served as a survey launch for the and from 1930 to 1962, primarily conducting oceanographic and hydrographic research. Built in 1930, the vessel supported wartime efforts starting in spring 1942, including submarine detection and coastal surveys after the transfer of the ship Oceanographer to the , working alongside USC&GS Lydonia to map critical areas for naval operations. Its missions focused on precise charting of seabeds and currents using fathometers and other early equipment, contributing to post-war geodetic data collection until decommissioning in the early . The US FWS Charles H. Gilbert (FWS 1003) was a fisheries research vessel commissioned in 1952 for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, named after ichthyologist Charles Henry Gilbert, and operated until 1970 before transferring to NOAA until 1973. Designed for Pacific Ocean surveys, the 125-foot steel-hulled ship featured a displacement of around 300 gross tons, a speed of 11 knots, and facilities for live-bait tuna fishing assessments, surface trolling, and size-frequency logging of catches. Key missions included measuring tuna stocks in the eastern tropical Pacific from January to March 1957, supporting Bureau of Commercial Fisheries investigations into commercial species distribution and ecology through the 1960s and into the 1970s under NOAA. It conducted joint ventures with international fleets, contributing data on salmon and other pelagic fish until the end of its service in 1973. The R/V Gilbert R. Mason, a modern regional-class built for the , is under construction and expected to be delivered in 2026, entering full operations in 2027 following sea trials, jointly managed by the Gulf-Caribbean Oceanographic Consortium led by Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON). Measuring 199 feet in length and 41 feet in beam, the aluminum-superstructure ship will accommodate 13 crew and up to 16 scientists for three-week missions, equipped for multidisciplinary oceanographic studies including , fisheries, and environmental monitoring in the and . Named for civil rights leader Dr. Gilbert R. Mason, it will support NSF-funded expeditions with advanced , winches, and labs, enhancing coastal and deep-sea research capabilities. In rail transportation, the Gilbert Car Company of , manufactured passenger and freight railcars from the late , pioneering innovations like the first eight-wheel passenger coaches for the Troy & Schenectady Railroad in the 1850s and over 500 gun cars during the . Founded by Uri Gilbert, the firm, later Eaton and Gilbert, introduced double-deck "Monitor Roof" cars in 1860 for improved capacity on early lines, producing streetcars exported internationally until the early 1900s.

Science and other uses

Units and measurements

The gilbert (symbol: Gi or Gb) is the centimeter–gram–second (CGS) electromagnetic unit of , defined as the magnetomotive force produced by a of \frac{1}{4\pi} abamperes encircling a closed path once. It is named after William Gilbert (1544–1603), the English physician and physicist whose seminal work (1600) laid the foundations for the scientific study of . One gilbert equals \frac{10}{4\pi} ampere-turns, or approximately 0.7958 ampere-turns. This conversion factor derives from the historical alignment of CGS electromagnetic units with the system, where the permeability of free space is dimensionless (equal to 1), contrasting with the system's $4\pi \times 10^{-7} ; thus, 1 Gi = \frac{10}{4\pi} A·turn to bridge the two frameworks. In SI terms, is measured in ampere-turns, rendering the gilbert obsolete for most modern calculations but retained for compatibility in certain contexts. Introduced in the late as part of the evolving CGS electromagnetic system, the unit received its official name from the (IEC) in 1930 during nomenclature standardization efforts. Although largely supplanted by the in the (SI) since the mid-20th century, the gilbert persists in legacy electromagnetic designs, such as older analyses and specialized instrumentation. In , the gilbert quantifies the "driving force" in magnetic circuits, analogous to in electric circuits; for instance, it is applied in calculating gilberts per pole for cores or fields. A key relation in CGS units links it to strength H (measured in oersteds) via H = \frac{NI}{l} where NI is the magnetomotive force in gilberts (N as number of turns and I as contributing to the MMF), and l is the magnetic path length in centimeters; this simplifies circuit analysis by treating H as MMF divided by path length. For practical conversions involving SI currents, the formula adjusts to H \approx 0.4\pi \frac{NI}{l} oersteds when I is in amperes, underscoring the unit's niche but enduring role in historical and comparative magnetics.

Technology and software

In electronics, the Gilbert cell is a type of double-balanced mixer circuit widely used in (RF) applications for signal and frequency conversion. Invented by Barrie Gilbert in 1967 while working at , it functions as a four-quadrant , enabling precise multiplication of two input signals with low and high , particularly in integrated circuits for receivers and transmitters. The circuit's balanced modulator principle suppresses carrier leakage and improves isolation between ports, making it essential in modern communication systems since the 1970s. In software development, created the (Script Creation Utility for Maniac Mansion) engine in 1987 at (later LucasArts), a pioneering scripting system for graphic adventure games that facilitated reusable code for puzzles, , and animations in titles like . Building on this, Gilbert developed custom 2D graphics engines in C/C++ for later projects, including the engine for (2017), which supports pixel-art rendering, scripting, and cross-platform deployment, influencing design. Juan E. Gilbert, a at the , invented Prime III, an open-source accessible voting system in the early 2000s that uses paper ballots with audio interfaces and voter-verifiable records to enhance security and inclusivity for disabled voters, earning the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in 2023. This technology addresses vulnerabilities through end-to-end verifiability and has been piloted in U.S. elections, prioritizing equity in democratic processes.