All about the name

Barth

Male

« Barth is of Germanic origin, meaning "bright" or "famous," popularized by Saint Bartholomew, an apostle known for his courage and devotion despite being martyred. »

#7947 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

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.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Barth since 1880

Total births
470
Total since 1880
Peak year
1955
26 births
in 1976
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years