Bartholomew is an ancient name of Greek origin, derived from the Aramaic word "Bartalma," which means "son of Talmai." It was popular among early Christians due to its association with Bartholomew the Apostle, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, who was also known as Nathaniel. In the New Testament, it is written that when Jesus first saw Nathaniel approaching him, he said, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" This interaction contributed to the name's enduring popularity throughout history.
The name Bartholomew has been used by various notable figures throughout time. One of the most prominent was Saint Bartholomew the Apostle himself, who was a fisherman before becoming one of Jesus' twelve disciples. After Christ's ascension, Bartholomew is believed to have traveled extensively preaching the Gospel, with his missionary work taking him as far as India and Armenia.
In terms of its usage in literature and art, Bartholomew has appeared in several notable works. In William Shakespeare's play "Measure for Measure," there is a character named Pompey Bum, who jokingly references himself as "Pompey the Great" and "Bartholomew the fool." Additionally, a famous painting by the Italian Renaissance artist Botticelli, titled "The Adoration of the Kings," depicts one of the three wise men as Bartholomew.
The name Bartholomew has also been used in various forms throughout history. In France, it was transformed into Barthelemy and Balthazar, while in England, Bartolomew became a popular name during the Middle Ages due to its association with St. Bartholomew's Day, which is celebrated on August 24th.
Today, Bartholomew remains an uncommon but distinctive name choice for parents looking for something unique yet rooted in history. It has also inspired several variations and derivatives, such as Bart, Barty, and even the Italian form Bartolomeo. Despite its ancient origins, the name continues to be associated with wisdom, virtue, and a strong sense of purpose – attributes that are sure to inspire any child named Bartholomew.
"Bartholome experienced a notable spike in popularity between 1950 and 1956, with a total of 23 babies named Bartholome born during this period."