Surname Bertelmann - Meaning and Origin
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Bertelmann: What does the surname Bertelmann mean?
The last name Bertelmann is derived from the Old German words ‘bertil’, meaning ‘bright’, and ‘man’, meaning ‘man’ or ‘person’. This suggests the prevalence of this surname goes back to the days of feudalism in Germany prior to the 10th century. At this time, strong and capable, or ‘bright’, vassals were particularly sought after in terms of their loyalty and servitude.
The Bertelmann name may have also been derived from words “bert” and “munt”, both of which mean ‘protection’ in Old German. Commonly, there were two types of protection. The first type of protection would involve a servant pledging to serve and protect his lord in return for land or other privileges. The second type of protection, known as “bert”, would involve a vassal having to fulfill certain obligations or tasks, such as providing financial or military help, in return for exclusive rights granted by his lord, for example, full access to a particular region of land.
Generally, online family trees suggest the Bertelmann surname is most common in the north and south regions of Germany, particularly states like Brandenburg and Schleswig-Holstein. The Bertelmann family tree may have stemmed from this as families from these areas would have likely shared the same surnames. Generally it is understood that the name Bertelmann was from a long line of strong and capable persons, or ‘bright’ people, much like it is understood to mean today.
Order DNA origin analysisBertelmann: Where does the name Bertelmann come from?
The last name Bertelmann is most commonly found in Germany and parts of Central Europe today. It originates from Bavaria and is thought to have come from a person called Berhtilo – who was mentioned in local records as early as 1229. The Bertelmann family has a fascinating history which stretches over many centuries.
In the 18th century, a number of Bertelmanns moved to the Netherlands, some of whom eventually emigrated to America. These days, the most commonly seen German spelling is "Bertelmann", while the variants "Bartelmann", "Barteltmann" and "Bertlmann" are still seen in some parts of Germany.
The most popular countries with people carrying the Bertelmann surname today are Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria and the United States. According to Census Reports, the United States is the leading country with around 840 people bearing the surname. It is also a common Amerindian surname, and it is particularly prevalent in the states of New York, Wisconsin, Missouri and Massachusetts.
In Germany, the Bertelmanns are more likely to be found in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Lower Saxony. The Dutch version of the surname is Bartelmans. In Denmark, it is spelled as Bertelmann and in some parts of Erzgebirge, the Bertelmann form is used.
In the United Kingdom, the Bertelmann family has links to Dorrington in Shropshire, England. The result of two generations of American and British intermarriage, the family now has a strong and established presence in Wrexham County, Denbighshire, North Wales.
Overall, the last name Bertelmann is very common in Central Europe today, and its American and British branches have made it a widely popular surname in many countries.
Variations of the surname Bertelmann
The surname Bertelmann is derived from the old German name Berteld, meaning “bright ruler”. Other variants, spellings, and surnames that are of the same origin include Börtl, Börtel, Börtelman, Börtelt, Börtell, Börtels, Bertelshofer, Bertelkamp, Berteling, Bertling, Birtell, and Birtel.
Börtl is a variant of the Bertelmann surname and is derived from the German verb “berten”, meaning to argue or plead a case. Börtel is another variant of the surname and comes from the German word “börteln”, meaning to chatter. Bertels can be a shortened version of the surname and also has roots in the German verb “berten”, meaning to argue or plead a case.
Bertels is also a popular spelling of the surname in Germany and other German-speaking countries. Bertels became popular due to the influence of the Dutch surname Bertels, which developed from the German surname Bertelmann. Bertelshofer is another spelling of the Bertelmann surname. It is derived from the German “börtlforscher”, meaning one who investigates or searches for a solution to a problem.
Bertelkamp is a variant of the Bertelmann surname, which is derived from the Germanic element “berht”, meaning “bright” and “kampf” meaning “fight” or “battle”. Berteling and Bertling are two more variations of the Bertelmann surname. These are derived from the German “berolt”, meaning “bright ruler” and “lind” meaning “gentle”.
Birtell and Birtel are two other variations of the Bertelmann surname. Birtell was derived from the Germanic elements “berht”, meaning “bright” and “teld”, meaning “family” or “house”. Birtel is an even rarer variant of the surname and also has its roots in Germanic elements, “bir”, meaning “bright” and “teil”, meaning “family”.
Famous people with the name Bertelmann
- Philipp Bertelmann, a German actor.
- Sarah Bertelmann, a German actress, dancer, and singer.
- Christoph Bertelmann, a German jazz guitarist and composer.
- Nicole Bertelmann, a German actress.
- Jordan Bertelmann, an American actor.
- Thomas Bertelmann, a German bassist and composer.
- Fabian Bertelmann, a German drummer and producer.
- Alexander Bertelmann, a German violinist.
- Guido Bertelmann, a German composer and producer.
- Christian Bertelmann, a German music producer.
- Stefanie Bertelmann, a German actress, singer, and songwriter.
- Marc Bertelmann, a German musician and composer.
- Maximilian Bertelmann, a German musician and actor.
- Laura Bertelmann, a German singer and songwriter.
- Lena Bertelmann, a German artist and singer.
- Andreas Bertelmann, a German filmmaker, director, and producer.
- Johannes Bertelmann, a German music producer.
- Kadi Bertelmann, a German actress.
- Johannes Bertensen, a Danish sculptor and painter.
- Sandra Bertelmann, a German politician.