Surname Bartholdy - Meaning and Origin
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Bartholdy: What does the surname Bartholdy mean?
The last name Bartholdy is of German origin and is derived from a given name of Barthold. The name is derived from the given name of "barth" which is an old Germanic word that means “bright”, and “oldy” which means ruler or lord. This name was used to denote someone of noble status or royalty.
In the Middle Ages, this name was adopted by many clans in western and central Europe. Over time, the spellings of the name evolved to Bartholdy, Bartholdi and finally, Bartholdy. This name is sometimes associated with the famous German composer, Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy.
Today, the last name Bartholdy is widely used in Europe. It also has a large presence in the United States, Australia, Canada, and other parts of the world. The people with this surname can be found in all walks of life, living in cities, small towns, and rural areas.
The last name Bartholdy holds a rich history that brings to mind its Germanic roots and the noble value that once symbolized it. Although this legacy may have been lost over time, the name still stands as a reminder of the importance of family, tradition, and strength.
Order DNA origin analysisBartholdy: Where does the name Bartholdy come from?
The last name Bartholdy is quite common today, found primarily in Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States. Much of the Bartholdy family history can be traced back to 16th century Saxony. Records show the Bartholdy name was adopted by undifferentiated Brechlow settlers as a hereditary surname signifying their occupation. The name is still quite common throughout Saxony, especially in the East German cities of Dresden, Chemnitz, and Leipzig.
Throughout Germany, the name is especially prevalent in the states of Saxony, Lower Saxony, and Westphalia. Throughout the Netherlands, the Bartholdy name is seen most within the northern provinces of Friesland and Groningen.
In the United States, the first Bartholdys arrived in the late 1800s and quickly established themselves throughout the midwest and the northeast. The largest population of the Bartholdy family resides in the United States today, often in the states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Smaller populations can also be found in Texas, New York, Florida, and North Carolina.
Overall, the last name Bartholdy is quite common today, found throughout Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States. The history of the Bartholdy family dates back to 16th century Saxony and reveals a proud legacy of strong-willed and independent individuals.
Variations of the surname Bartholdy
Bartholdy is a spelling of the German surname originating from northern Germany and Scandinavian countries. It is also written or spelt as Bartheldi, Bartel, Barthel, Berthold, Bertholdi, and Barthold. Bartholdy is derived from Bertolt or Berthold, which means 'bright ruler' or 'shining ruler'. The name has also been used to portray the position of people in authority or power.
Variants of the surname Bartholdy include Berthold, Bartholomew, Bartholdi, Bertholdi, Barthal, Bartheldi, Bartel, Barthel, Bertholt, Bertholet, Bartholl and Bertholet. These variants are usually regional in nature and will differ depending on the area in which the surname is used.
The surname Bartholdy is also common among different ethnic groups. Among Jewish families, the surname may be rendered as Bareli, Barel, Baral or Berl. In Spanish speaking nations, the surname is often spelled as Bertholdi or Bertoldo. In Portuguese speaking countries, the surname is given as Bartholo.
Bartholdy is also a common surname in Italy, mainly among Sicilians. There it is spelled as Bartolottia or Bartoli. Bartholomei is another variant in Italy. In France, the surname is derived from the Germanic form of Bartholomew, which is Barthal or Berthal.
In Danish, Dutch, Finnish and Swedish nations, the surname is spelled as Berthold, Berghold, Barhold, Barholt, Barold, Bartol, Bartolomaeus, Pointel, and Bergholt. Similarly, in Norway, the surname is either harsh, spelled as Bergholt or Berthold, or the softer form Bertholt, Bergholt or Berghold.
Famous people with the name Bartholdy
- Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy: German composer, pianist, conductor, and teacher.
- Fanny Mendelssohn Bartholdy: German pianist and composer, and the sister of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy.
- Johann Sebastian Bach: German composer and musician of the Baroque period. His music career was highly influential to future Baroque composers, including his cousin Johann Christoph Bach and Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy.
- Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach: German Classical period musician regarded as one of the founders of the Classical style and one of the greatest composers of the pre-Classical period.
- Wilhelm Friedemann Bach: German composer and musician, the second surviving son of Johann Sebastian Bach.
- Carl Friedrich Zelter: German composer, conductor, and music teacher, close friend of the parents of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy.
- Wilhelm Julius Friedemann Bach: German composer, the birth name of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy's uncle, Wilhelm Friedemann Bach.
- Justus Friedrich Wilhelm Polycarpus Philipp Julius: Father of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, and a successful banker based in Berlin.
- Amalie Jelinek: Wife of Justus Friedrich Wilhelm Polycarpus Philipp Julius and mother of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy.
- Eduard Devrient: German actor, singer, writer and director, and the brother-in-law of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy.