Last Name Bertram

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Bertram

On the matter of ethnicity, the Decennial U.S. Census data shows some shifts within the Bertram surname holders between 2000 and 2010. While the majority of individuals with the Bertram surname are of white ethnicity (91.03% in 2010), there has been a slight decrease from 93.42% in 2000. There has been an increase in almost every other ethnic identity. The Hispanic population saw the highest growth at 85.8%, increasing from 1.69% in 2000 to 3.14% in 2010. Those identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, and American Indian and Alaskan Native also saw increases. The proportion of the Bertram surname holders identifying as two or more races grew from 1.08% in 2000 to 1.57% in 2010, which is a 45.37% change.

	2000	2010	Change
White	93.42%	91.03%	-2.56%
Hispanic	1.69%	3.14%	85.8%
Black	2.99%	3.07%	2.68%
Two or More Races	1.08%	1.57%	45.37%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.48%	0.6%	25%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.35%	0.6%	71.43%

Bertram ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Bertram is British & Irish, which comprises 44.5% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (30.4%) and Scandinavian (5.6%). Additional ancestries include Eastern European, Finnish, Ashkenazi Jewish, Italian, and Spanish & Portuguese.

Ready to learn more about your ancestry? Get the most comprehensive ancestry breakdown on the market by taking our DNA test.

ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
British & Irish	44.5%
French & German	30.4%
Scandinavian	5.6%
Other	19.6%

Your paternal lineage may be linked to King Louis XVI

The rule of France by men of the House of Bourbon began with King Henri IV in 1589 C.E. and continued until the beheading of his direct paternal descendant King Louis XVI in 1793. Several years ago, researchers analyzed a mummified head and a blood-soaked cloth that they believed might belong to the two kings, and concluded that the royal paternal line belonged to haplogroup G. In a more recent study, however, a different set of researchers tested three living men who are direct descendants of the Bourbon kings. Their efforts revealed that the male lineage of the House of Bourbon is actually a branch of haplogroup R-M405.

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bertram

The meaning and origin of the last name Bertram

The surname Bertram is of Germanic origin and has a rich history dating back to medieval times. Derived from the German personal name "Berhtram," it is composed of the elements "berht" meaning "bright" or "famous" and "ram" meaning "raven." The name Bertram gained popularity during the Middle Ages, reflecting the cultural importance of ravens in Germanic mythology. In Norse mythology, the raven was associated with Odin, the god of wisdom, war, and death. The surname Bertram may have initially been used as a personal name, and later became a hereditary surname as it gradually passed down through generations. Over time, the surname has spread throughout different European countries, evolving slightly in spelling and pronunciation variations. Today, individuals with the surname Bertram can be found in various parts of the world, with the name reflecting their Germanic roots and ancestral connections.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bertram

The last name Bertram has a relatively widespread geographical distribution. It is commonly found in various countries around the world, particularly in regions of Germanic origin. In Germany, the name is prevalent, with a significant concentration in the northern parts, such as Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein. Additionally, Bertram can be seen in other European nations like Austria and Switzerland, where people with this surname can be found, albeit in smaller numbers. The name has also traveled across the Atlantic, as noticeable populations of Bertram can be found in the United States and Canada. In the United States specifically, the name is more common in the midwestern and southern states. While its exact origin is uncertain, the widespread geographical distribution of the surname Bertram demonstrates its historical and migratory connections across various regions of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bertram

The last name Bertram has acquired several variations and spellings throughout history. Some of these variations include Berrtram, Berttrom, Bartram, Beartram, Berthram, Birtram, and Burrtram. These alterations in spelling may have occurred due to clerical errors, regional accents, or simply personal preferences. Additionally, the influence of different languages and cultures may have contributed to further diversifications. For instance, in German, it is not uncommon to come across the spelling Bertramm, while in French, the name might be spelled Bertrand. The surname Bertram itself has English and German origins, originally derived from the given name "Berht," meaning "bright" or "famous," and the suffix "-ram," signifying "raven" or "crow." Over time, these variations and spellings have provided unique identities for individuals carrying the Bertram surname, showcasing the diversity and evolution of language and naming practices.

Famous people with the last name Bertram

There is limited information available about famous individuals with the last name Bertram; however, a few notable figures with this surname have left their marks in different fields. In the realm of literature, A.A. Bertram stands out as the author of "The History of the Harlequinade" and other theatrical works, contributing to the exploration of comedic performances. In the football scene, Leon Bertram achieved recognition as a promising Australian rules football player. He played for the Port Adelaide Football Club and represented South Australia in various competitions. Another well-known figure, Danish cinematographer Jens Albinus Bertram, has significantly contributed to the world of film. He has worked with renowned directors such as Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg. While the last name Bertram might not be associated with numerous widely celebrated figures, these individuals have made notable contributions in their respective domains, shaping literary, sporting, and cinematic landscapes.

Genealogical research on the last name Bertram

The last name Bertram has a rich history that can be traced back to medieval times. Derived from the Germanic personal name Berhtram or Bertram, which means "bright raven," it was a popular name across various regions of Europe. The name first appeared in written records in the 12th century, indicating its early adoption. The Bertram family spread across different countries, including Germany, England, Scotland, and France. Over the centuries, branches of the family established themselves in different regions and adapted their name to the local language, resulting in variations such as Bertrand and Bertrán. Many Bertrams migrated to the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries, seeking new opportunities and a fresh start. Today, the Bertram family continues to grow and thrive across the globe, leaving a lasting legacy rooted in its intriguing genealogical research.