What does Bertil mean and where does it come from?
The name 'Bertil' is a traditional masculine name that has roots in both Swedish and Norwegian cultures. It is derived from the Old High German name 'Berhtwald,' in which 'berht' means 'bright' or 'famous' and 'wald' means 'rule' or 'power.' The name has seen usage since the early 20th century in Sw
Cultural significance
Bertil has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Sweden-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bright strength.
Peak popularity
Reached #1018 in 1914 — currently #1399 in the US.
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Related Reading
Sweden-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Bertil?
Bertil works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Bertil Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Bertil Rose
Floral · soft ending
Bertil Mae
Sweet · timeless
Bertil Claire
French influence · crisp
Bertil Jane
Literary · strong
Bertil Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Bertil right now?
Holding steady — currently #1399 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1399 | 801 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1404 | 781 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1409 | 751 | ▲ up 1351 · +9288% births |
| 1940 | #2760 | 8 | ▼ down 667 · -38% births |
| 1935 | #2093 | 13 | ▲ up 448 · +18% births |
| 1930 | #2541 | 11 | ▼ down 871 · -50% births |
| 1925 | #1670 | 22 | ▲ up 1021 · +100% births |
| 1920 | #2691 | 11 | ▼ down 1283 · -54% births |
| 1915 | #1408 | 24 | — |
The story of Bertil
Bertil entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 482 total births recorded, Bertil remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1408 in 1915 to #1399 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Bertil in 1914:
Bertil by decade
Bertil peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s ★ | 176 | |
| 1920s | 153 | |
| 1930s | 106 | |
| 1940s | 42 | |
| 1950s | 5 | |
💎Bertil has only 482 total recorded births since 1912 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Bertil?
ANCIENT GERMANIC
BerhtaBertha
What names sound and feel like Bertil?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Bertil also consider these
How is Bertil written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Bertil?
Common questions about the name Bertil
What does the name Bertil mean?
Bertil means "Bright strength" — a name rooted in Sweden 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 Bertil?
Bertil 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 Bertil?
Bertil originates from Sweden tradition. Sweden 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 Bertil?
Bertil is a two-syllable name pronounced B ER1 T IH0 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Bertil a common or rare name?
Bertil is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.