Last Name Bartholomew

The last name Bartholomew is of English origin. It is derived from the given name Bartholomew, which is an English form of the Greek name "Bartholomaios." The name Bartholomew itself means "son of Talmai," Talmai being an Aramaic name meaning "hill" or "furrow." It is believed that this last name originated as a patronymic surname, indicating that it was originally used to denote someone as the son of a man named Bartholomew. Over time, the name Barry became a common variant of Bartholomew.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bartholomew

The meaning and origin of the last name Bartholomew

The surname Bartholomew is of ancient Hebrew origin and can be traced back to biblical times. It is derived from the Aramaic name "Bar-Talmay," which means "son of Talmay." In the New Testament, Bartholomew is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and is believed to have been an influential figure in spreading Christianity. The name eventually evolved and became popular as a baptismal name until it was adopted as a surname.

Over time, the surname Bartholomew spread across various countries and regions. During medieval times, it gained prominence in England, Scotland, and Ireland, where it was primarily used as a given name before gradually transitioning into a family name. As families migrated and settled in different parts of the world, the surname also traveled with them. Today, individuals with the surname Bartholomew can be found in various English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bartholomew

The surname Bartholomew has a diverse geographic distribution across the world. It is primarily found in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the highest concentration of the Bartholomew surname can be found in the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. This can be attributed to historical migration patterns of European settlers. In the United Kingdom, the name is most prevalent in England, particularly in the southern regions. Beyond these countries, smaller populations of individuals with the last name Bartholomew can be found in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, suggesting migration from English-speaking nations. Additionally, due to the spread of the British Empire, people with the surname Bartholomew can be found across various Commonwealth countries. Overall, the geographical distribution of the Bartholomew last name highlights its origins and links to English-speaking nations, with crests in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bartholomew

The surname Bartholomew has undergone some variations and spellings throughout history. One of the common variants is Bartolomew, where the letter 'h' is replaced with 'o.' Another variant is Bertolomew, where 'a' takes over the place of the third 'o' in the original form. Bartholemew is another adaptation, where the second 'o' is replaced with 'e'. Furthermore, Bartlamew is a variant observed, where the 'h' is omitted entirely. It is worth mentioning that in some cases, the ‘w’ at the end of the surname may be dropped, leading to the spelling Bartholome or even Bartholomeu. These variations might have originated due to different regional influences, dialects, or simple phonetic changes over time. While the original spelling is Bartholomew, these variations highlight the flexibility and adaptation of surnames as they pass through different generations and locations.

Famous people with the last name Bartholomew

Bartholomew is not a widely known or common surname among famous individuals, but there have been notable figures throughout history with this last name. The most well-known Bartholomew is Bartholomew Roberts, or "Black Bart," who was a notorious Welsh pirate in the early 18th century. He was renowned for his successful plundering of numerous ships across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, becoming one of the most feared and respected pirates of his time. Another notable Bartholomew is John Bartholomew, a Scottish cartographer who was influential in mapping and geographical studies during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work, including the production of several atlases, contributed greatly to the understanding and documentation of various regions worldwide. Although the name Bartholomew may not be frequently associated with fame, these individuals have left their everlasting mark in history through their daring adventures and scholarly contributions.

Genealogical research on the last name Bartholomew

The genealogical research on the last name Bartholomew traces its origins back to the Middle Ages in England. The surname Bartholomew is derived from the Hebrew name "Bar-Talmay," meaning "son of Talmay." The name was introduced to England by Crusaders returning from the Holy Land, where Saint Bartholomew was a popular name. Over time, the name Bartholomew became a patronymic surname, denoting individuals who were descendants or sons of someone named Bartholomew. The earliest recorded instances of the Bartholomew surname can be found in English parish registers and church records dating back to the 16th century. As families migrated and settled in different regions, variations of the name emerged, such as Bartlam, Bartolomeo, and Barthelme. Today, descendants of the Bartholomew surname can be found in various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, continuing the legacy of their ancestors.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bartholomew"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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