Bartholomeus: a male name of Aramaic origin meaning "This name derives from the Aramaic “Bar-Thalmay” (Ancient Greek: Bartholomaîos ‘Βαρθολομαῖος’), meaning “son of Talmai, son of furrows".It derives from the Aramaic word "telem > bar-Thalmay > Bartholomaîos".
In Aramaic tradition, Bartholomeus holds special significance as a masculine name representing This name derives from the Aramaic “Bar-Thalmay” (Ancient Greek: Bartholomaîos ‘Βαρθολομαῖος’), meaning “son of Talmai, son of furrows. This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Aramaic culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.
Quick Facts About Bartholomeus
Quick facts about Bartholomeus
Origin
Aramaic
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Uncommon
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Aramaic “Bar-Thalmay” (Ancient Greek: Bartholomaîos ‘Βαρθολομαῖος’), meaning “son of Talmai, son of furrows.” The name is composed of two elements: “bar” (son) plus “telem” (furrows, wrinkled, full of wrinkles). Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, and is usually identified with Nathanael (alternatively spelled Nathaniel, who is mentioned in John 1. He was introduced to Christ through Philip, another of the twelve apostles, where the name Nathanael first appears. Bartholomew is also an English or Scottish surname with the same onomastic meaning as the above as a given name. Bartholomew is a Hebrew version of Ptolemy. Thus Bartholomew is either “son of furrows” or “son of Ptolemy.”
Etymology & Details
Name Root
telem > bar-Thalmay > Bartholomaîos
How to Pronounce Bartholomeus
Bartholomeus is pronounced /bɑːrˈθoʊ.ləˌmeɪ.əs/(Arabic)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Barthol-om-eus
Say it like: "BARTHOL-OM-EUS"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Bartholomeus enjoys international appeal, used in 7 different linguistic and cultural contexts including swedish, danish, finnish, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.
swedishdanishfinnishdutchlatingermanold swedish
Frequently Asked Questions About Bartholomeus
What does the name Bartholomeus mean?
Bartholomeus means "This name derives from the Aramaic “Bar-Thalmay” (Ancient Greek: Bartholomaîos ‘Βαρθολομαῖος’), meaning “son of Talmai, son of furrows.” The name is composed of two elements: “bar” (son) plus “telem” (furrows, wrinkled, full of wrinkles). Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, and is usually identified with Nathanael (alternatively spelled Nathaniel, who is mentioned in John 1. He was introduced to Christ through Philip, another of the twelve apostles, where the name Nathanael first appears. Bartholomew is also an English or Scottish surname with the same onomastic meaning as the above as a given name. Bartholomew is a Hebrew version of Ptolemy. Thus Bartholomew is either “son of furrows” or “son of Ptolemy.”". The name comes from telem > bar-Thalmay > Bartholomaîos. In its original form, the name derives from telem (תלם) bar-Thalmay (תולמי-בר) Bartholomaîos (Βαρθολομαῖος). This aramaic name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Bartholomeus for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Aramaic “Bar-Thalmay” (Ancient Greek: Bartholomaîos ‘Βαρθολομαῖος’), meaning “son of Talmai, son of furrows.” The name is composed of two elements: “bar” (son) plus “telem” (furrows, wrinkled, full of wrinkles). Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, and is usually identified with Nathanael (alternatively spelled Nathaniel, who is mentioned in John 1. He was introduced to Christ through Philip, another of the twelve apostles, where the name Nathanael first appears. Bartholomew is also an English or Scottish surname with the same onomastic meaning as the above as a given name. Bartholomew is a Hebrew version of Ptolemy. Thus Bartholomew is either “son of furrows” or “son of Ptolemy.”" as a quality they hope to see in their child. Bartholomeus offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices. The name is associated with qualities like BIBLICAL / RELIGION (SAINTS), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Bartholomeus?
Bartholomeus is a aramaic name. The name traces back to telem > bar-Thalmay > Bartholomaîos. The original form telem (תלם) bar-Thalmay (תולמי-בר) Bartholomaîos (Βαρθολομαῖος) shows the name's roots in its native language. From its aramaic roots, Bartholomeus spread to become common in swedish, danish, finnish, dutch and other cultures. The aramaic meaning "This name derives from the Aramaic “Bar-Thalmay” (Ancient Greek: Bartholomaîos ‘Βαρθολομαῖος’), meaning “son of Talmai, son of furrows.” The name is composed of two elements: “bar” (son) plus “telem” (furrows, wrinkled, full of wrinkles). Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, and is usually identified with Nathanael (alternatively spelled Nathaniel, who is mentioned in John 1. He was introduced to Christ through Philip, another of the twelve apostles, where the name Nathanael first appears. Bartholomew is also an English or Scottish surname with the same onomastic meaning as the above as a given name. Bartholomew is a Hebrew version of Ptolemy. Thus Bartholomew is either “son of furrows” or “son of Ptolemy.”" reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Bartholomeus a boy or girl name?
Bartholomeus is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In aramaic tradition, Bartholomeus has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Aramaic “Bar-Thalmay” (Ancient Greek: Bartholomaîos ‘Βαρθολομαῖος’), meaning “son of Talmai, son of furrows.” The name is composed of two elements: “bar” (son) plus “telem” (furrows, wrinkled, full of wrinkles). Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, and is usually identified with Nathanael (alternatively spelled Nathaniel, who is mentioned in John 1. He was introduced to Christ through Philip, another of the twelve apostles, where the name Nathanael first appears. Bartholomew is also an English or Scottish surname with the same onomastic meaning as the above as a given name. Bartholomew is a Hebrew version of Ptolemy. Thus Bartholomew is either “son of furrows” or “son of Ptolemy.”" carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Bartholomeus?
Bartholomeus is pronounced "/bɑːrˈθoʊ.ləˌmeɪ.əs/". This pronunciation follows ar language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Bartholomeus is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in swedish, danish, finnish, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with aramaic names, listening to a native speaker say Bartholomeus can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root telem > bar-Thalmay > Bartholomaîos influences how Bartholomeus sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Bartholomeus?
Bartholomeus is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Bartholomeus gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Bartholomeus's popularity may vary between aramaic communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Aramaic “Bar-Thalmay” (Ancient Greek: Bartholomaîos ‘Βαρθολομαῖος’), meaning “son of Talmai, son of furrows.” The name is composed of two elements: “bar” (son) plus “telem” (furrows, wrinkled, full of wrinkles). Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, and is usually identified with Nathanael (alternatively spelled Nathaniel, who is mentioned in John 1. He was introduced to Christ through Philip, another of the twelve apostles, where the name Nathanael first appears. Bartholomew is also an English or Scottish surname with the same onomastic meaning as the above as a given name. Bartholomew is a Hebrew version of Ptolemy. Thus Bartholomew is either “son of furrows” or “son of Ptolemy.”" likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Bartholomeus holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Bartholomeus commonly used?
Bartholomeus spans multiple cultures, including swedish, danish, finnish, and 4 other traditions. Though aramaic in origin, Bartholomeus found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Bartholomeus, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Aramaic “Bar-Thalmay” (Ancient Greek: Bartholomaîos ‘Βαρθολομαῖος’), meaning “son of Talmai, son of furrows.” The name is composed of two elements: “bar” (son) plus “telem” (furrows, wrinkled, full of wrinkles). Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, and is usually identified with Nathanael (alternatively spelled Nathaniel, who is mentioned in John 1. He was introduced to Christ through Philip, another of the twelve apostles, where the name Nathanael first appears. Bartholomew is also an English or Scottish surname with the same onomastic meaning as the above as a given name. Bartholomew is a Hebrew version of Ptolemy. Thus Bartholomew is either “son of furrows” or “son of Ptolemy.”" carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Bartholomeus into their naming traditions. A child named Bartholomeus will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Bartholomeus is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Bartholomeus?
Bartholomeus carries associations with BIBLICAL / RELIGION (SAINTS). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Aramaic “Bar-Thalmay” (Ancient Greek: Bartholomaîos ‘Βαρθολομαῖος’), meaning “son of Talmai, son of furrows.” The name is composed of two elements: “bar” (son) plus “telem” (furrows, wrinkled, full of wrinkles). Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, and is usually identified with Nathanael (alternatively spelled Nathaniel, who is mentioned in John 1. He was introduced to Christ through Philip, another of the twelve apostles, where the name Nathanael first appears. Bartholomew is also an English or Scottish surname with the same onomastic meaning as the above as a given name. Bartholomew is a Hebrew version of Ptolemy. Thus Bartholomew is either “son of furrows” or “son of Ptolemy.”" reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In aramaic culture, where Bartholomeus originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Bartholomeus sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Bartholomeus often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In swedish communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.