Treu first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Treu has been for the last 4 years (from 2020 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Treu

A medieval German name meaning "loyal, faithful, or true".

Popularity of Treu by gender

Based on the last 4 years of data, Treu is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 58% of people named Treu being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 18 male babies and 12 female babies born with the name Treu.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 18 12
2022 19 24
2021 27 15
2020 5 0

The history of the first name Treu

The name Treu is believed to have originated from the Old German language, derived from the word "treu," which means "loyal" or "faithful." This name can be traced back to the early medieval period in parts of central Europe, particularly in regions now known as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

One of the earliest documented references to the name Treu can be found in the Codex Traditionum Monasterii Sancti Emmerami, a medieval cartulary from the 9th century AD, which records various transactions and legal documents related to the St. Emmeram's Abbey in Regensburg, Bavaria. This text mentions individuals bearing the name, suggesting its use during that era.

In the 12th century, a German monk and chronicler named Treu von Bamberg (born around 1120) is mentioned in historical records. He is known for his work as a chronicler of the Bishops of Bamberg, providing valuable insights into the history of the region during that time.

Another notable figure was Treu von Richenbach, a 13th-century German knight and crusader who participated in the Fifth Crusade (1217-1221). He is mentioned in chronicles and accounts from that period, particularly for his bravery and loyalty during the crusades.

In the 15th century, a German painter named Treu Riemenschneider (born around 1460) gained recognition for his intricate woodcarvings and altarpieces, many of which can still be found in churches across Germany. His works are considered masterpieces of the late Gothic period.

During the 16th century, a German theologian and reformer named Treu Trubart (born around 1520) played a significant role in the Protestant Reformation. He was a close associate of Martin Luther and contributed to the spread of Protestantism through his writings and sermons.

These examples illustrate the historical presence and significance of the name Treu, primarily in the German-speaking regions of Europe. While its usage may have fluctuated over time, it remains a name with deep roots in the cultural heritage of these areas, often associated with values such as loyalty and faithfulness.

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 Treu was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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"Treu first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 3, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/treu-meaning-and-history/.

"Treu first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/treu-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 3 July, 2025

Treu first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/treu-meaning-and-history/.

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