Berat is a male given name of Albanian origin, derived from the word "berath" which means "promise" in Albanian language. It is believed to have been popularized by the Albanian nationalist movement in the early 20th century as a symbol of national pride and unity.
The name Berat itself has a rich history dating back centuries. Berat is also the name of an ancient city located in southeastern Albania, founded by the Illyrians in the 4th century BC. This city, known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
Historically, the name has been carried by several notable figures throughout Albanian history, including Berat Basha, an influential figure during the struggle for Albanian independence in the early 20th century. Today, Berat continues to be a popular male given name in Albania and among the Albanian diaspora around the world, carrying with it a sense of national pride and heritage.
In terms of its popularity beyond Albania, Berat is not widely used as a given name in other countries. However, it has gained some international recognition due to its association with the city of Berat and its UNESCO World Heritage status. Overall, Berat remains a unique and culturally significant male given name with deep roots in Albanian history and culture.
The name Berat saw a notable spike in popularity between 2012 and 2014, with 7 births recorded in 2012 and a consistent 5 births each year from 2013 to 2014. However, there was a decline afterwards, with only 6 births reported in 2019. Overall, the name has been chosen for 34 newborns over this period.