Surname Berthram - Meaning and Origin
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Berthram: What does the surname Berthram mean?
The last name Berthram is believed to be a variant spelling of Bertram, an old Germanic name that can be found in England, Scotland, and Germany. The origin of the name is uncertain but many believe it to be derived from Berhtram, a combination of two Germanic elements “berht”, meaning 'bright', and “ram”, meaning 'raven'. This suggests that the name may have been given to someone with either bright hair, or possibly with a dark complexion.
The name is thought to have entered the language in England by various routes, with early mentions of it being found in the 11th and 12th centuries. In Scotland the earliest mention of the name comes from records related to the Clan Murray in the 14th century.
Throughout history, the name has often been associated with healthful herbs. This is due to the fact that Robert de Berthram- one of the earliest recorded bearers of the name- was a celebrated herbalist of his time. This further circulated the idea that the name was derived from Berhtram, as “ram” can also translate to “evil,” potentially meaning someone with evil intentions.
The name Berthram has spread through many generations with detailed records being found for all those bearers in English and Scottish records. It is still common today and continues to spread around the world as immigrants adjust to new lands. Although the origin of the name is still unclear, it will remain a distinguished family name for many generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisBerthram: Where does the name Berthram come from?
The surname Berthram is most common today in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. It is also found in Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
In the United States, Berthram is most common throughout the Northern and Southwestern states. The highest concentrations can be found in California, Texas, and Illinois, though it is also a fairly common last name throughout the Midwest.
In the United Kingdom, Berthram is most common in London and the surrounding counties, but it can also be found in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
In Canada, Berthram is widely distributed, with the highest concentrations being found in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia.
Berthram is the 26,697th most common last name in the United States, the 2,835th most common last name in the United Kingdom, and the 25,871st most common last name in Canada. Its origins are believed to trace back to Scandinavian and English origins.
Variations of the surname Berthram
The surname Berthram is likely derived from an Old German name that combines the words "bert" and "hræm," meaning "illustrious raven." There are a few variants, spellings and surnames that are related to the Berthram name.
The spelling of Berthram, Bertram, and Bartram are the most common used in English-speaking countries. Other spellings, such as Bertran, Bartran, Bertrem, and Bartrem, are used in other parts of Europe, especially France and Germany. Additionally, Bertramp, Bertrop, Bertrom, Bertropp, and Bertromp are uncommon English spellings.
There are several surnames related to Berthram. Berthroppe and Bertropp are derived from the Old German and are found in England and Ireland. Similarly, Bartram, Bertrand, and Bertramo are derived from French and Italian sources. Finally, Berthrampf, Bertramm, and Bertramm are of more recent German origin.
In terms of meaning, all of these names can be loosely translated to mean "illustrious raven." This meaning can be seen in literature, especially Shakespeare's play, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, in which Hamlet's friend, Horatio, is referred to as "Bertram." Indeed, many consider the Berthram family name to be one of strength, power, and honor.
Famous people with the name Berthram
- Adam Bertram: American football writer and columnist for USA Today Sports.
- Joel Bertram: American professional golfer who has played in more than 75 tournaments.
- Mark Bertram: British chemist and former scientific director of Imperial Chemical Industries.
- Carl Bertram: Former British fighter ace and Distinguished Flying Cross with five awards for service during World War II.
- Shannon Bertram: Former American professional basketball player who played in the Women's National Basketball Association.
- Carmen Berthram: Swiss architect and interior designer with an international reputation in furniture and space planning.
- Roland Berthram: German film and television actor with more than 150 credits in his career.
- Brett Berthram: Canadian media personality and filmmaker with a background in music and broadcast journalism.
- Richard Berthram: American entrepreneur and philanthropist, founding the world's first charitable foundation for education and social progress.
- Peter Berthram: English journalist and television presenter, best known for presenting “Sky News” over a 15-year career.