Bartholomew is a name of Latin origin, derived from the Aramaic name 'Bartolmai', which means "son of Talmai". The name has been popular throughout history and across different cultures, with notable figures such as Saint Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, and several monarchs bearing this name.
The name Bartholomew is believed to have entered English language through the French 'Barthelemy', which was a variant of the Latin form 'Bartholomaeus'. It began to appear in England during the Middle Ages, with several examples found in historical records from that period.
One of the most famous figures associated with this name is Saint Bartholomew, who was one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles. According to tradition, he became a missionary and traveled to India to spread Christianity. He eventually met his death as a martyr, being flayed alive, which has led him to be associated with tanners and skin diseases in some cultures.
In literature, Bartholomew is the name of a character in Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales", and also appears in works by other notable authors such as Thomas Hardy. In popular culture, the name can be found in various forms of media, including films, television shows, and video games.
Today, Bartholomew remains a relatively uncommon name, but it is still used occasionally. It may appeal to those who appreciate its unique sound and rich history. Its meaning, "son of Talmai", could also hold special significance for some parents looking for a name with a specific meaning or connection to their family's heritage.
Overall, Bartholomew is a name with a long and diverse history, spanning different cultures and time periods. While it may not be as widely used today as some other names, its unique sound and rich background make it an interesting choice for those looking for something a bit more unusual.
The name Bartholomew experienced a significant increase in popularity during the early 20th century, with a sharp rise in births from 29 in 1913 to 42 in 1914 and peaking at 46 births in 1921. However, it declined steadily throughout the mid-20th century, reaching its lowest point with only 7 births in 2009. Since then, there has been a slight resurgence, with 37 births recorded in 2021 and 33 in 2023. Over the entire period from 1880 to 2023, there were a total of 4196 births named Bartholomew.