Find out how popular the first name Berl has been for the last 45 years (from 1979 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Berl by gender

Based on the last 45 years of data, Berl is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 16 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Berl.

The history of the first name Berl

The name Berl has its origins in the Germanic languages, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. It is believed to have derived from the Old High German word "beraht," which means "bright" or "shining." The name was initially used as a descriptive term for someone with a bright or radiant personality.

In the early medieval period, the name Berl was particularly prevalent in areas of modern-day Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It was also found in some parts of northern France and the Low Countries, where Germanic influence was strong. The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the 9th and 10th centuries, appearing in various monastic records and chronicles.

One of the earliest known historical references to the name Berl can be found in the Annals of Fulda, a medieval chronicle written in the 9th century by monks at the Fulda Monastery in present-day Germany. The chronicle mentions a nobleman named Berl who was involved in a dispute over land ownership in the year 840.

Throughout the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance period, the name Berl was borne by several notable figures. One of the most prominent was Berl von Regensburg (c. 1175-1242), a German poet and minnesinger who composed lyric poetry in the courtly love tradition. Another notable figure was Berl von Nürnberg (c. 1300-1370), a merchant and politician who served as a magistrate in the city of Nuremberg.

In the 16th century, Berl Breydenbach (c. 1490-1559) was a German author and traveler who wrote one of the earliest published accounts of a journey to the Holy Land. His work, titled "Peregrinatio in Terram Sanctam," provided detailed descriptions of his travels and the places he visited.

During the 17th century, Berl von Arnim (1586-1659) was a German nobleman and military commander who fought in the Thirty Years' War. He is known for his role in the Battle of Wittstock in 1636, where he led Imperial forces against the Swedes.

In more recent times, the name Berl has been less common, but there have been a few notable individuals who have borne it. Berl Katznelson (1887-1944) was a Zionist leader and labor activist who played a significant role in the establishment of the modern state of Israel.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Berl was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Berl, please contact us.

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