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Bartholomew is a distinguished name with deep biblical roots, carried by one of Jesus Christ’s twelve apostles. This classic name has traveled through centuries from its Aramaic origins to become a timeless choice in Christian communities worldwide. With its meaning ‘son of Talmai’, it connects to agricultural heritage while maintaining spiritual significance. Today, Bartholomew remains a name that conveys tradition, faith, and historical continuity.
Meaning of Bartholomew
The name Bartholomew originates from the Aramaic Bar-Talmay, which literally translates to ‘son of Talmai’. Talmai comes from the Hebrew תַּלְמַי (Talmai), meaning ‘furrow’ or ‘plowman’ — a reference to agricultural work and cultivation of the earth. This patronymic construction was common in Semitic languages, where ‘bar’ means ‘son of’. The name entered Greek as Βαρθολομαῖος (Bartholomaios) and Latin as Bartholomaeus before evolving into its modern English form. The ‘furrow’ meaning symbolizes preparation, growth, and nurturing — qualities associated with both farming and spiritual development.
| 📛 Name | Bartholomew |
| 💎 Meaning | Son of Talmai (son of the furrow/plowman) |
| 👤 Gender | Boy |
| 🕌 Religion | Christian |
| 🌍 Origin | Aramaic/Hebrew |
| 🗣 Pronunciation | bar-THOL-ə-myoo |
| ✍️ Urdu | بارتھولومیو |
| ✍️ Arabic | برثولماوس |
| 🔢 Numerology | 7 |
| ✨ Spellings | Bartholomaeus, Bartolomeo, Bartolomé, Bartłomiej, Barthélémy, Bartolomeu |
Origin & Cultural Significance
Bartholomew has its origins in first-century Judea, appearing in the New Testament as one of the twelve apostles. While the Gospel of John refers to Nathanael, Christian tradition since the early Church has identified Nathanael with Bartholomew. The name spread throughout Christendom during the Middle Ages, particularly venerated in Armenia where Saint Bartholomew is considered the apostle who brought Christianity to the region. Various European languages developed their own versions: Italian Bartolomeo, Spanish Bartolomé, Polish Bartłomiej, French Barthélémy, and Portuguese Bartolomeu. The name’s persistence across cultures reflects its strong apostolic association and enduring religious significance.
Personality Traits
Those named Bartholomew often exhibit characteristics of thoughtfulness, reliability, and depth. They tend to approach life with careful consideration and intellectual rigor, much like the apostle who was initially skeptical but became a devoted follower. Their connection to the ‘furrow’ meaning suggests both practicality and the ability to cultivate ideas and relationships over time. Many Bartholomews are drawn to pursuits that require patience, analysis, and spiritual or philosophical exploration.
Similar Names
If you like Bartholomew, consider: Nathaniel, Matthew, Thomas, Timothy, Benjamin
Famous People Named Bartholomew
- Saint Bartholomew — One of the twelve apostles of Jesus in Christian tradition
- Bartholomew I — Current Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, spiritual leader of Eastern Orthodox Christians
Frequently Asked Questions About Bartholomew
What does Bartholomew mean?
Bartholomew means 'son of Talmai', with Talmai meaning 'furrow' or 'plowman' in Hebrew. The full name comes from the Aramaic Bar-Talmay.
Is Bartholomew a boy or girl name?
Bartholomew is exclusively a masculine name with biblical origins as one of Jesus's male apostles. There are no traditional feminine variants in Christian naming traditions.
What is the origin of Bartholomew?
Bartholomew originates from Aramaic/Hebrew sources in first-century Judea. It entered European languages through Greek (Βαρθολομαῖος) and Latin (Bartholomaeus) translations of the New Testament.
