Bartholomew

Origin

The name Bartholomew originates from the Aramaic *Bar-Talmay*, meaning 'son of Talmay'. It appears in the New Testament of the Bible as one of the apostles. Historically, it has been used across Christian cultures and has variants in many languages, including Latin (Bartholomaeus), Greek (Bartolomaios), and English.

Meaning

Literal translation is 'son of Talmay', with 'Talmay' possibly meaning 'mixed' or 'cumber' in Hebrew. In Australian English contexts, it carries connotations of tradition and historical religious significance, often associated with Saint Bartholomew, the apostle.

Pronunciation

/bɑːrˈθɒləmjuː/ (Australian English pronunciation: BAR-thuh-loh-myoo, with stress on the second syllable) — note the 'r' sound and the emphasis on the second syllable.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 24 August (Feast of Saint Bartholomew)
• 24 August (Western Christian liturgical calendar)
• 24 August (Orthodox calendar)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with bartholomew:

• James and William
• Oliver and Felix
• Benjamin and Samuel

Fun Facts

• The name appears in the Australian biblical choir tradition and was popular among early settlers.
• Legend attributes the founding of the famous 'Bart's' (a hypothetical historic figure) establishment to a bearer of this name.
• It is occasionally used as a surname in Australian soap operas and films.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name bartholomew:

• Traditional
• Religious
• Historical
• Dignified
• Resilient

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a classical, dignified typographic appearance; its length and traditional roots evoke a sense of heritage in Australian culture. It pairs well with both vintage and modern surnames.

Geographical Distribution

While the name is uniformly rare across all Australian states, it has been slightly more common historically in rural NSW and Queensland, often associated with Anglican and Catholic communities.

Numerological Significance

The name 'Bartholomew' reduces to the number 7 in numerology, which is associated with introspection, spiritual awareness, and analytical thinking. Suitable for those interested in astrology's spiritual aspects.

Astrological Connections

Aligns with the zodiac signs Scorpio and Sagittarius, emphasizing qualities of passion, exploration, and wisdom, though these associations are more cultural than scientific.

Historical Context

Historically, Saint Bartholomew is a revered figure in Christian tradition, and his name has been borne by numerous saints, scholars, and explorers in the Australian colonial period. In literature, the name appeared in various Victorian novels as a symbol of fidelity and tradition.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well across many languages, retaining its phonetic integrity. Variants and diminutives are common in European languages, with some influence in Australian multicultural communities.

Famous People Named bartholomew

• Saint Bartholomew (Apostle)
• Bartholomew Roberts (Pirate)
• Bartholomew Hughes (Australian physician and social reformer)

Popularity in Australia