What does Berthold mean and where does it come from?
Berthold is of Germanic origin, composed of the elements 'berht' (bright) and 'wald' (rule or strength). The name has been used since the Middle Ages, with notable bearers including Berthold of Regensburg, a medieval scholar. It peaked in popularity during the 19th century and has seen a gradual dec
Cultural significance
Berthold has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bright strength; illustrious strength.
Peak popularity
Reached #1555 in 1908 — currently #1595 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Berthold?
Berthold works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Berthold Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Berthold Rose
Floral · soft ending
Berthold Mae
Sweet · timeless
Berthold Claire
French influence · crisp
Berthold Jane
Literary · strong
Berthold Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Berthold right now?
Holding steady — currently #1595 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1595 | 605 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1600 | 585 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1605 | 555 | ▲ up 1768 · +9150% births |
| 1935 | #3373 | 6 | ▼ down 252 · -25% births |
| 1930 | #3121 | 8 | ▲ up 383 · +14% births |
| 1925 | #3504 | 7 | ▼ down 830 · -36% births |
| 1920 | #2674 | 11 | ▼ down 426 · -8% births |
| 1915 | #2248 | 12 | — |
The story of Berthold
Berthold entered American naming records in 1908 and has been in use for over 116 years. With 267 total births recorded, Berthold remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2248 in 1915 to #1595 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Berthold in 1908:
Berthold by decade
Berthold peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s ★ | 90 | |
| 1920s | 90 | |
| 1930s | 55 | |
| 1940s | 17 | |
| 1950s | 10 | |
💎Berthold has only 267 total recorded births since 1908 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Berthold?
Famous people named Berthold
B(
Berthold (medieval German ruler)
Berthold bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
B(
Berthold (German philosopher)
Berthold used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
B(
Berthold (Norse explorer)
Berthold carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
B(
Berthold (German philosopher)
Berthold used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Berthold?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Berthold also consider these
How is Berthold written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Berthold
What does the name Berthold mean?
Berthold means "bright strength; illustrious strength" — a name rooted in Germanic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Berthold?
Berthold is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Berthold?
Berthold originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Berthold?
Berthold is a two-syllable name pronounced B ER1 TH OW2 L D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Berthold a common or rare name?
Berthold is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.