Barth is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German word "barth," which means "bright" or "famous." The name was likely popularized by Saint Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles in Christianity, who was also known as Nathaniel. According to tradition, Saint Bartholomew was martyred for his faith by being flayed alive and beheaded.
In the Middle Ages, the name Barth was quite common throughout Europe, particularly in Germany and France. It was often given to children as a way of invoking divine protection and blessing upon them. Over time, variations of the name have emerged, including Bartholomew, Barthelme, Bartolomé, and others.
Today, Barth is still used as a given name, although it may be less common than some other names with similar meanings, such as Bright or Famous. Despite its decline in popularity, Barth remains a strong and distinctive name that carries a rich historical legacy. It is often associated with wisdom, courage, and devotion due to the example set by Saint Bartholomew throughout history.
The name Barth has seen varying levels of popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 470 babies being born with this name since 1916.
In the early years, from 1916 to 1928, there was an average of around 5 births per year, with a slight increase to 6 or 7 births between 1929 and 1938. However, starting from 1940, we see a more significant rise in the number of Barth births, with figures ranging from 5 to 12 annually.
The peak period for this name was during the mid-1950s, when there were consistently high numbers of babies named Barth: 26 births both in 1955 and 1956, and a total of 42 births between these two years alone. This is more than double the number of Barth births recorded in any other single year.
After this peak, the popularity of the name began to decline steadily. From 1957 onwards, the annual number of babies named Barth fell each decade, from an average of around 20 per year in the 1960s to less than 10 per year in the 1970s.
Despite this decrease, it's clear that Barth has been a name with a consistent presence throughout history. Its popularity may have varied over time, but its total number of births across nearly a century demonstrates that Barth remains a distinctive and recognizable choice for parents seeking a unique name for their child.