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 has seen a varying degree of popularity over the past decade in the United States. Between the years 2007 and 2019, there were a total of 34 babies named Berat according to U.S. birth records.
The most popular year for the name Berat was 2012 with 7 births. This is followed by 6 births in both 2013 and 2019. Interestingly, the name's popularity seems to have peaked between these two years, as it has since declined slightly.
It's important to note that while 34 births over a span of 12 years may seem relatively low compared to more popular names, each one of these births represents a unique individual with their own story and identity. Moreover, the number of babies named Berat is still higher than many other names that might not have made it onto our radar.
In conclusion, while the name Berat hasn't been among the most common in recent years, its appearance on the birth records demonstrates that it remains a recognizable and meaningful choice for some parents in the United States.