Berthold

“bright strength; illustrious strength”

Germanic origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1595US 2023

605Births / yr

→Stable

267All-time births

📅 Since 190800

How to pronounce Berthold

BER·thohld

/ˈbɝ.ˌθoʊld/ · stress on BER · 2 syllables

“bright strength; illustrious strength”

Germanic origin · Boy name

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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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

How popular is Berthold right now?

Holding steady — currently #1595 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#1595 · Top 1.2%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Berthold

Best Year2023Rank #1595

Peak Count605

Average Rank#2465

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 20238 years

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:

John William James George Robert

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?

GERMAN

Bert

Famous people named Berthold

Berthold (medieval German ruler)

Berthold bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.

Berthold (German philosopher)

Berthold used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.

Berthold (Norse explorer)

Berthold carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.

Berthold (German philosopher)

Berthold used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.

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What names sound and feel like Berthold?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Berthold also consider these

Bernhold

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Bergthold

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Bertold

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Gerthold

Greek · A Greek name

Barthold

Arabic · A Arabic name

Gerhold

Greek · A Greek name

Gerold

Germanic · Spear ruler

Reinhold

Germanic · German

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.