Bertrand – Meaning and Origin
The name Bertrand is of French origin and is derived from the Germanic elements berht, meaning “bright” or “famous”, and rand, meaning “shield”. It is a masculine given name that has been used in France since the Middle Ages.
History of the Name
The name Bertrand was first recorded in France in the 11th century. It was popularized by the legendary knight Bertrand du Guesclin, who fought for King Charles V during the Hundred Years War. The name was also borne by several French kings, including Louis IX (1214-1270) and Louis XIV (1638-1715).
In England, the name was introduced by the Normans after 1066. It became popular among the aristocracy and was used by several English kings, including Edward III (1312-1377) and Henry VIII (1491-1547).
Popularity of the Name
Bertrand is a popular name in France, where it has been consistently ranked among the top 100 names since 1900. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular in other countries as well, particularly in Canada and the United States.
In 2019, Bertrand ranked #1,845 on the U.S. Social Security Administration’s list of most popular baby names. It was also one of the top 1,000 names for boys born in England and Wales in 2018.
Famous People Named Bertrand
There are many famous people with the name Bertrand, including:
- Bertrand Russell, British philosopher and mathematician
- Bertrand Piccard, Swiss psychiatrist and balloonist
- Bertrand Delanoë, French politician and former mayor of Paris
- Bertrand Traoré, Burkinabé footballer
