Bart is a name of Dutch origin, derived from the Germanic words "berht" and "helm," which mean "bright" and "helmet," respectively. This makes Bart's meaning roughly equivalent to "bright helmet." The name was borne by several saints in early Christian history, including Saint Barthelmess, who lived in the 9th century.
Bart is also a popular variant of Bartholomew, another name with Dutch origins that comes from the Aramaic word "bar tawman," which means "son of the furrows." In the New Testament, Bartholomew was one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles and is believed to have been martyred in what is now Armenia.
Historically, Bart has been used as a given name since at least the Middle Ages. It was likely brought to England by Norman invaders after the Norman Conquest in 1066 and has remained in use ever since. Today, Bart is still a popular choice among parents looking for a short and memorable name for their sons.
Overall, Bart is an ancient and historic name with a strong and literal meaning that makes it a great choice for parents seeking a name with depth and significance. Despite its long history, Bart remains a timeless option that has proven enduring appeal across generations.
The name Bart saw its peak popularity in the late 1800s and early 1900s with over 20 births per year recorded consistently from 1880 to 1905. However, it began a steady decline after the 1950s, reaching its lowest point in recent years, with only 5 births reported in both 2011 and 2012, and again in 2016 and 2019.