Berlin is a German surname and given name of Germanic origin that means "bear". It derives from the Old Germanic word "berht" meaning bright or famous. The name was initially used as a nickname for someone with fair hair, or it could refer to a person who was strong and powerful like a bear.
The city of Berlin in Germany is named after this surname. According to legend, the town was founded by two brothers named Bernard and Liphard in the 13th century. They named it Berlin after their bear mascot that they had brought with them on their journey. The bear has since become an important symbol of the city.
The name Berlin has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages, but it was not particularly common until the late 19th and early 20th centuries when it became more popular among German families. Today, it is still used as both a surname and a given name in Germany and other Germanic countries.
In recent years, Berlin has gained popularity worldwide as a unisex given name, perhaps due to its association with the vibrant city of Berlin, which is known for its culture, arts, and nightlife. However, it is important to note that the name's meaning remains the same regardless of its use as a surname or given name.
In conclusion, Berlin is a Germanic name that means "bear". It has a long history and cultural significance, particularly in relation to the city of Berlin. As a given name, it offers a unique and powerful choice for parents looking for something different for their child.
The name Berlin has seen a fluctuating trend of popularity over the years in the United States. The earliest recorded birth for this name was in 1918 with 10 occurrences, followed by another peak in 1920 with also 10 births.
After a period of low popularity, Berlin experienced a resurgence in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The number of births increased from 7 in 1985 to a peak of 22 in 1991. This trend continued into the mid-1990s with consistent birth numbers ranging between 11 and 20 each year.
The new millennium brought about a significant increase in the popularity of Berlin, reaching an all-time high of 97 births in 2011. Since then, the name has maintained a steady level of popularity with over 50 births per year up until recently, demonstrating its enduring appeal among parents.
However, there appears to be a recent decline in the popularity of the name Berlin, with fewer than 60 births recorded in each of the past three years (2021-2023). Despite this downturn, Berlin remains a distinctive and memorable choice for parents seeking a unique name for their child.
In total, there have been 1699 births with the name Berlin recorded in the United States since 1918. While its popularity has waxed and waned over the decades, Berlin continues to be a notable name that stands out among the crowd.