The Meaning of the Name Balthasar
Balthasar is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German words “bald” and “sar”. The literal translation of the name is “bold prince” or “protector”. It is also sometimes spelled as Balthazar.
History and Origin
The name Balthasar has been used since at least the Middle Ages in Germany, where it was popular among royalty and nobility. It was also used in other parts of Europe, including France, Italy, and Spain. In the United States, it was first recorded in the late 19th century.
Popularity
Balthasar is not a particularly common name in the United States today. According to Social Security Administration data, it ranked #7,845 in popularity for boys born in 2019. However, it is more popular in other countries such as Germany and Austria.
Famous People Named Balthasar
There are several famous people who have borne the name Balthasar throughout history. These include:
- Balthasar Hacquet (1739-1815), Slovenian physician and naturalist
- Balthasar van der Ast (1593-1657), Dutch painter
- Balthasar de Monconys (1611-1665), French traveler and diarist
- Balthasar Hubmaier (1480-1528), Austrian theologian
Variations of the Name
The name Balthasar can be shortened to Bal or Balti. Other variations include: Baltsar, Baltazar, Belshazzar, Beltsazar, Belteshazzar.
