Surname Barth - Meaning and Origin

Evaluating iGENEA DNA Test: Unravelling the Surname Barth's Historical Lineage

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery, I recently explored my roots through an iGENEA DNA test. This journey allowed me to understand the comprehensive technicalities behind DNA testing processes and illuminate a new perspective on my surname—Barth.

B. Barth

Barth: What does the surname Barth mean?

The surname Barth is of German and Scandinavian origin and is believed to be topographic, deriving from the term "barth," meaning "bearded," possibly referring to someone with a beard. Alternatively, it could also be habitational, referring to people from places named Barth or Bart in Germany and Scandinavia. Sometimes it is associated with the profession of a berther, a person responsible for ensuring boats are moored securely. The name is prevalent in countries like Germany, France, and the United States. Variations of this surname include Bart, Barthel, and Bartel. Numerous notables bear this surname, contributing to its popularity and recognition.

Barth: Where does the name Barth come from?

The surname Barth is of German origin and derives from the personal name Bart, which is an abbreviation of the name Bartholomew (Bartolomäus in German). Bartholomew is a biblical name and was widely used in Christian Europe during the Middle Ages; it translates as "son of Talmai" or "son of the furrows". The surname could also have originated from people living in a place called Barth in northeastern Germany.

Today, the surname Barth is most common in Germany, particularly in the southern region. This is probably due to large scale German emigration over centuries, which led to the spread of the surname in other parts of the world like the United States, France, and Canada. However, despite its dispersal, the highest concentration of people bearing the surname Barth still remains in Germany. The artistic and literary recognition of notable individuals like German philosopher Karl Barth and French comedian and actor Patrick Barth could have further contributed to the spread and retention of the last name. Despite this, the name is not excessively common, ranking as the 1,710th most common surname in the world.

Variations of the surname Barth

The surname Barth is of German origin and has numerous variants and similar surnames, reflecting the variations and evolution of language over time. Barte and Barthe are the direct variants of Barth. Another common variant is Bart, which might have been derived as a diminutive form of Bartholomew.

Further variation includes Barthes, possibly arising in regions where French language influence was stronger. In many European countries, the surname is often prefixed with "Von" or "Van", resulting in names like Von Barth and Van Barth.

The surname Barth is also frequently found in a hyphenated or combined form, leading to surnames like Barth-Luther or Barthmüller.

There are also patronymic forms of the name seen in the Nordic region like Bartelson or Bartsson. Similarly Bartsch, Bartels, Barthel, and Bartel are also derived from the root name Barth. Barthman or Barthmann might have been used to denote the 'son of Barth.'

Other Anglicised versions of Barth include Borth, Berth, and Bert. Other similar sounding surnames might include Barthelemy, Bartholomew, Bartos, and Bartosz.

Finally, keep in mind that spelling variations are common, especially among older records where literacy was not universal and names were often written phonetically.

Famous people with the name Barth

• Karl Barth: A renowned Swiss Reformed theologian, he is often counted as one of the most significant Christian theologians of the 20th century.
• John Barth: An American author noted for his postmodernist and metafictional novels.
• Frederic Barth: A Norwegian-American anthropologist. He is noted for his studies in the development of social anthropology.
• Christoph Barth: A Swiss Reformed theologian, who wrote mainly on the systematic and practical theology.
• Markus Barth: A Swiss American Protestant Christian theologian.
• John Simmons Barth: A U.S. Representative from Maryland.
• Auguste-Arthur de La Rive: A Swiss physicist and co-founder of the Barth Reformed Theology.
• Mary Barth: A professor of accounting at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
• Otto Barth: An Austrian painter, mainly of landscapes and genre scenes.
• Heinrich Barth: A German explorer of Africa and scholar, he was the founder of the discipline of Afrikanistik.
• Stephen Barth: An American attorney and professor, known for his expertise in hospitality law.
• Laurie Barth: A well-known content and growth marketer in the tech industry.
• Roland Barth: An American educator and school reform leader known for his work on teacher leadership.
• Bob Barth: A notable American aquanaut in the SEALAB II and Tektite II projects.
• Jakob Barth: An Austrian orientalist who contributed to Hebrew lexicon studies.

Other surnames

BartBartaBartalosBartanBartaramBartarimeBartarmBarteckBarteitBartekBartelBärtelBarteldBarteldsBarteldtBärteleBartelemesBartellBartelmäBartelmaiBartelmannBartelmäsBartelmeBartelmehBartelmehsBartelmeiBartelmesBartelmessBartelmeß