Berthold is a historic Germanic given name derived from the Old High German elements berht, meaning "bright" or "famous," and waldan, signifying "to rule" or "to govern." The name was particularly prevalent during the Middle Ages in Germany, with notable bearers including Berthold of Regensburg, a prominent preacher of the 13th century, and Berthold Schwarz, a legendary alchemist from the same era. Today, Berthold is still used as a given name, predominantly in German-speaking countries, and serves as an enduring connection to their rich historical and cultural heritage.
The name Berthold experienced periods of popularity and decline in its annual birth counts between 1908 and 1956, with a significant peak during World War I from 1914 to 1917. Overall, there were 267 children named Berthold born during this period.