Bertrand is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. It is composed of two elements: "berht" meaning "bright", and "rōth" signifying "fame". Therefore, the name Bertrand translates to "bright fame".
The name has been in use for centuries and has been borne by several notable figures throughout history. One of the earliest known individuals with this name was Saint Bertrand de la Tour, a French bishop from the 12th century who is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church.
In medieval France, the name Bertrand was quite popular, especially among the nobility. It was often given to sons in hopes that they would grow up to be as renowned and illustrious as their namesake suggested.
The name has also been used in other countries besides France. In England, for instance, there were several bearers of the name during the Middle Ages, including Bertrand de Guesclin, a Breton soldier who played a significant role in the Hundred Years' War against the English.
In recent years, the name Bertrand has seen a resurgence in popularity. While it may not be as common as some other names, it remains an attractive choice for parents looking for a strong, distinctive name with a rich history and positive meaning.
Overall, the name Bertrand is a classic choice that offers a blend of tradition and uniqueness, making it an appealing option for those who wish to honor the past while embracing the present.
The name Bertrand experienced a dramatic rise and fall in popularity over the course of its recorded history. In the late 19th century, it started relatively strong with double-digit births every year between 1880 and 1894. However, this period also saw significant fluctuations, ranging from a low of 5 births in some years to a high of 16 births in 1896.
In the early 20th century, Bertrand's popularity continued to fluctuate but began to decline overall. The number of births peaked at 95 in 1924 but steadily decreased thereafter, reaching as low as 7 births by 1937.
The post-WWII era saw a further decline in the name's popularity, with fewer than 50 births recorded each year from 1950 onwards. The lowest point was reached in 1968 with only 26 births. There were brief periods of resurgence, such as in the late 1960s and early 1970s, but these were short-lived.
Since the 1980s, Bertrand has been chosen infrequently as a baby name, with annual births typically ranging between 5 and 20. The most recent data available (2021) shows that there were 10 births, indicating that while Bertrand is not a common choice today, it is still being selected occasionally.
In total, over the course of these records, the name Bertrand was given to 3991 babies. However, its popularity has waned significantly in recent decades.