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.
Bartholomew: A Statistical Analysis of Its Usage as a Given Name in the United States
The given name Bartholomew has seen varied usage patterns over time in the United States, as evidenced by the birth statistics provided. From 1880 to 2023, there have been a total of 4,196 births registered with this name.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Bartholomew was used relatively infrequently, with fewer than ten births per year on average. However, there were some notable peaks during this period, such as in 1913 when 29 babies were named Bartholomew, and again in 1914 with 42 births.
The mid-20th century saw a more consistent usage of the name, with annual birth counts typically ranging from 20 to 60. The decades of the 1950s and 1960s were particularly popular for Bartholomew, with several years exceeding 40 births each decade.
The late 20th century and early 21st century have seen a decline in the usage of Bartholomew as a given name. Since the 1980s, annual birth counts have consistently been below 60, reaching as low as single digits in some years. Despite this decrease in popularity, there are still babies being named Bartholomew each year.
In recent years, there has been a slight resurgence in the usage of Bartholomew, with birth counts increasing from a low of 7 births in 2004 to a high of 37 births in 2021. The most recent data available shows that there were 33 babies named Bartholomew in 2023.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Bartholomew has fluctuated over time, it has maintained a consistent presence among newborns in the United States since the late 19th century. Despite its decline in recent decades, there are still parents who choose this distinctive and historic name for their children.