Surname Bertrain - Meaning and Origin
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Bertrain: What does the surname Bertrain mean?
The surname Bertrain is a variant of the name Baratain, which is a locational name derived from a former French village, now a commune, in the Nord department of northern France. There is also a commune of the same name in the Aisne department created in 2016.
The name Baratain dates back to the Middle Ages and is thought to be of Gaulish origin. Its root is Bel-, meaning “bright” or “shining”, combined with rat – “king”. Therefore, its literal translation is “king of brightness”.
The actual origin of the Bertrain surname is not known, but it could be derived from Baratain as well. It is also possible that it is derived from another Middle English word, bertren, which means “safe and secure”.
Given the meaning of the original name Baratain and the possible derivation from bertren, Bertrain could be interpreted to mean “king of brightness and protection”. This is an apt representation of the courage and sense of security that an individual may possess.
Throughout history, the Bertrain surname has been associated with honorable figures who have dedicated their lives to protecting and serving others. From ancient times to the present, the Bertrain name is indicative of strength, courage, and loyalty.
Order DNA origin analysisBertrain: Where does the name Bertrain come from?
The last name Bertrain is most commonly found in France, particularly in areas like the Champagne, Lorraine, and Franche-Comte regions of the country. The name is generally found among the French population descended from the Franks, whose presence in these parts of France dates back to the Early Middle Ages.
The surname is also found in some parts of western Germany, particularly in parts of Brandenburg, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland. It is likely that this is a result of migration from France during the past few centuries, or even from the centuries prior to that. For example, during and after the peasant rebellions against Charles the Bold in the 14th and 15th century thousands of peasants fled the area and some may have come from the Lorraine region of France.
Another area where the surname Bertrain is commonly found is in French-speaking parts of North America. Notably, in Canada there are large concentrations in the provinces of Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick, as well as in parts of the region of Manitoba. The name has been carried to this part of the world most likely through settlement from French-speaking nations in the New World, such as Acadia and Plaisance in the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as through more more recent waves of immigration originating from Europe.
The Bertrain surname can also be found in small numbers in other parts of the world, including parts of Britain, South America, and Australasia. The spread of the name can be attributed to various migrations or diasporas throughout modern history, with French-speakers dispersed all corners of the world.
Variations of the surname Bertrain
The surname Bertrain has many variants and spellings, deriving from the French language and its many iterations in various countries around the world. In French the surname is most commonly spelled BERTRAND, sometimes Bertrant or Bertran depending on the region. In English, the name can be spelled Bertrain, Bertraine, Bernd, Berndt, Bernhard, Bernard, or Bernhardt. In Germany and elsewhere in Europe, the surname is most commonly spelled Bernd, Bernhardt, or Bernhard in German, Bertrando in Italian, and Bernart in Dutch.
In Spain and in Spanish-speaking countries of Latin America, the surname is most commonly spelled Bertrán, Bertrángel, or Bertrández. In Portugal, the surname is most commonly spelled Bertrão or Bertruano. In Russia and Eastern Europe, the surname has been adapted to Bertragin, Bertraygin, or Bertraykhin. In India, the surname has been adapted to Bertrani, Bertoli or Berthi.
Finally, additional variations of the surname can be found in Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Scotland, Switzerland, and Wales, including Berthold, Berthon, and Berton. In summary, the surname Bertrain has many iterations, derivative spellings, and regional names that are derived from the original French version.
Famous people with the name Bertrain
- Matt Bertrain, American football player
- Danilo Bertrain, singer and songwriter
- Rian Bertrain, French musician
- David Bertrain, French journalist
- Sarah Bertrain, French novelist
- Sébastien Bertrain, French football player
- Nicolas Bertrain, French philosopher
- Jean-Philippe Bertrain, French politician
- Mélanie Bertrain, French blogger
- Denis Bertrain, French figure skater
- Philippe Bertrain, French writer
- Pierre Bertrain, French journalist
- Laurent Bertrain, French actor
- Jocelyne Bertrain, French businesswoman
- Romain Bertrain, French rugby union player
- Michèle Bertrain, French film director
- Nadia Bertrain, French actress
- Christian Bertrain, French basketball player
- Alain Bertrain, French folk singer
- Maurice Bertrain, Swiss cyclist