Berthold is a Germanic given name with a rich history and meaning. It is composed of two elements: "berht" which means "bright" or "famous," and "-hold" which signifies "power" or "rule." Therefore, the name Berthold translates to "famous ruler" or "bright power."
The name Berthold has its origins in medieval Germany, where it was borne by several prominent figures throughout history. One of the most notable bearers of this name was Berthold I, also known as Berthold the Founder (c. 965-1018), who established the House of Zähringen, a significant noble family in medieval Swabia and Alemannia.
Berthold II of Zähringen (c. 1050–1111) was another notable figure with this name. He was a powerful count and Duke of Carinthia, as well as the founder of the town of Freiburg im Breisgau in present-day Germany.
The use of the name Berthold extended beyond Germany and into other Germanic countries over time. In Scandinavia, for instance, Berthold became Bertold or Bernt, while in the Netherlands it was rendered as Berthal or Bertold.
Today, Berthold is still used as a given name in some Germanic-speaking countries, though it has become less common in recent decades. Nevertheless, its historical significance and unique meaning continue to make it an interesting choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
The name Berthold has a unique history of usage in the United States, as reflected in the provided statistics. Between 1908 and 1956, there were a total of 267 births registered with the name Berthold.
Interestingly, the name's popularity fluctuated significantly over this period. The highest number of Berthold births occurred in 1917, with a peak of 15 babies being named Berthold that year. This was followed by a decline in usage, with only 5 births recorded each year from 1943 to 1956.
Prior to the 1940s, the name seemed to be more popular, with at least 5 births every year between 1908 and 1929. However, there was still considerable variation in its usage during this time. For instance, while there were 18 Berthold births in 1919, there were only 5 in the subsequent year.
These statistics suggest that while Berthold was not a particularly common name in the United States during this period, it was used with some frequency and consistency until the mid-20th century. Despite its fluctuations in popularity, the name Berthold maintains a unique place in American naming history.