Barth is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German word "barth," which means "bright" or "famous." The name was likely popularized by Saint Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles in Christianity, who was also known as Nathaniel. According to tradition, Saint Bartholomew was martyred for his faith by being flayed alive and beheaded.
In the Middle Ages, the name Barth was quite common throughout Europe, particularly in Germany and France. It was often given to children as a way of invoking divine protection and blessing upon them. Over time, variations of the name have emerged, including Bartholomew, Barthelme, Bartolomé, and others.
Today, Barth is still used as a given name, although it may be less common than some other names with similar meanings, such as Bright or Famous. Despite its decline in popularity, Barth remains a strong and distinctive name that carries a rich historical legacy. It is often associated with wisdom, courage, and devotion due to the example set by Saint Bartholomew throughout history.
The name Barth experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the decades, with a marked increase from the late 1940s to the early 1960s, peaking at 26 births in both 1955 and 1956. However, it has since declined, with fewer than 10 births per year after 1968, except for brief spikes in the late 1970s. Overall, Barth was given to a total of 470 children across these years.