NewKerala.com

Bartholomew Name Meaning & Details

Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Bartholomew

Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name BARTHOLOMEW. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.

Name

Bartholomew

Gender

Male

Origin

Hebrew

Lucky Number

6

Meaning of the Name

Bartholomew is a Hebrew name meaning 'son of Talmai' or 'son of the furrows,' often interpreted as 'ploughman.' This masculine name carries agricultural and biblical significance, representing both earthly labor and spiritual devotion.

Stages of a Male

Complete Numerology Analysis

Your Numerology Number

6

Based on Pythagorean Numerology System

Ruling Planet

Venus

Positive Nature

Harmonious, responsible, caring, and artistic.

Negative Traits

Overly idealistic, superficial, possessive, or jealous.

Lucky Colours

Pink, turquoise.

Lucky Days

Friday.

Lucky Stones

Diamond, turquoise.

Harmony Numbers

2, 3, 9.

Best Suited Professions

Artists, musicians, teachers, healthcare workers.

What People Like About You

Warmth, nurturing nature, artistic flair.

Famous People Named Bartholomew

Saint Bartholomew

Apostle

One of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, missionary to India and Armenia

Bartholomew I

Ecumenical Patriarch

Current Archbishop of Constantinople, environmental and interfaith leader

Bartholomew Roberts

Pirate

Captured over 400 ships as one of history's most successful pirates

Bartholomew Gosnold

Explorer

Founded Virginia Company and Jamestown, named Cape Cod

Name Variations & International Equivalents

Bartolomeo Italian Bartolomé Spanish Barthélemy French Bartłomiej Polish Bartolomej Slovak Bartholomäus German Bart English

Click on blue names to explore their detailed meanings. Gray names with will be available soon.

Cultural & Historical Significance

Bartholomew holds profound cultural significance rooted in its biblical origins as one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. The name appears in all four canonical gospels, establishing its importance in Christian tradition. According to early church histories, Bartholomew traveled extensively as a missionary, particularly to India and Armenia, where he was martyred by being flayed alive. This brutal death led to his association with butchers, leather workers, and tanners throughout medieval Europe, and he became the patron saint of these professions. The name gained prominence during the Middle Ages across Christian Europe, especially in England where it was commonly used among clergy and nobility.

The feast day of Saint Bartholomew on August 24th became significant in Christian calendars, though it also marks the tragic St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre of 1572 in France when thousands of Huguenots were killed. This event created a complex legacy for the name in French history. The agricultural meaning of 'ploughman' or 'son of the furrows' connected the name to rural life and farming communities, making it popular among agricultural workers who saw their labor as blessed. Throughout history, the name has maintained its religious gravitas while also representing the dignity of manual labor and skilled craftsmanship.

Extended Personality Analysis

Individuals named Bartholomew are typically perceived as traditional, reliable, and deeply principled. The name carries historical weight that often manifests in personalities characterized by strong moral compasses, dedication to beliefs, and methodical approaches to life's challenges. Many Bartholomews exhibit patience and attention to detail, reflecting both the agricultural roots of the name and its association with skilled trades through Saint Bartholomew's patronage. They often demonstrate quiet strength and resilience, capable of enduring difficulties with grace and determination.

The biblical connection lends an air of spirituality and philosophical depth to those bearing this name. Bartholomews tend to be introspective individuals who value meaningful pursuits over superficial interests. While they may appear reserved initially, they typically possess warm hearts and fierce loyalty to family and close friends. The common nickname 'Bart' often reveals a more approachable, friendly aspect of their personality, balancing the formality of the full name with everyday warmth and sociability. This duality allows Bartholomews to maintain their substantial, traditional qualities while remaining adaptable in social situations.

Modern Usage & Popularity

In contemporary naming practices, Bartholomew has become a relatively uncommon but distinguished choice for boys. The name peaked in popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since declined significantly, now ranking outside the top 1000 names in most English-speaking countries. Despite its rarity, Bartholomew has experienced a slight resurgence among parents seeking traditional, biblical names with strong historical roots and distinctive character. The name is particularly favored in religious communities and among families with European heritage. While the full name Bartholomew carries a formal, traditional quality, the nickname 'Bart' provides a more casual, accessible option for everyday use. The name maintains an air of sophistication and intellectualism that appeals to parents looking for substantial, meaningful names rather than trendy choices, positioning it as a classic that may continue to gain appreciation among those valuing historical depth in naming.

Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings

Symbolically, Bartholomew represents tradition, resilience, and profound connection to the earth. The agricultural meaning of 'ploughman' or 'son of the furrows' connects the name to themes of cultivation, growth, and nurturing—both in literal farming contexts and metaphorically in personal development and community building. The biblical association adds layers of spiritual dedication, missionary zeal, and the willingness to endure suffering for one's beliefs, as exemplified by the saint's martyrdom. The method of martyrdom by flaying symbolizes being stripped down to one's essential self, representing authenticity, vulnerability, and the courage to reveal one's true nature. The name also carries connotations of craftsmanship and skilled labor through its patronage associations, symbolizing the value of creating something lasting through patient, dedicated work. In broader terms, Bartholomew embodies the dynamic balance between tradition and adaptability, between the formal full name and the casual nickname, representing the ability to maintain core values while navigating changing circumstances.

Share this analysis: