Barth is of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German word "bardi," which means "bright" or "famous." It is a variant form of the name Berold, which was quite popular in medieval Germany. The name Barth can also be associated with the Middle English word "barth," meaning "bath," as it was sometimes used to describe someone born near a bathhouse or who had an interest in bathing. Today, Barth is considered a rare and unique name, often found more frequently among older generations due to its historical significance. It has not been widely adopted for newborns in recent years but remains an appealing choice for those seeking a distinctive moniker with a rich heritage.
The name Barth experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the decades, with a marked increase from the late 1940s to the early 1960s, peaking at 26 births in both 1955 and 1956. However, it has since declined, with fewer than 10 births per year after 1968, except for brief spikes in the late 1970s. Overall, Barth was given to a total of 470 children across these years.