Bartholomew

Βαρθολομαῖος (Bartholomaios)

Son of Talmai (furrowed)

Popularity Rank
#20
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Name Details

Origin Language Hebrew
Lucky Number #8
Lucky Days Sunday
Lucky Colors Red, Gold
Lucky Stone Jasper

What Does the Name Bartholomew Mean?

Bartholomew is a Hebrew name that holds the beautiful meaning of "Son of Talmai (furrowed)". Rooted in Biblical Hebrew, the ancient language of the Torah, Psalms and prophetic literature, this name connects the child to a heritage of meaning, identity and cultural depth. Hebrew names carry thousands of years of Judeo-Christian heritage. Many express a direct relationship with God — names meaning "God is gracious," "God is my judge," or "God hears" reflect the theological depth embedded in the language itself.

Biblical names connect a child to specific scriptural figures and their stories of faith, courage, wisdom and divine purpose — giving the name both a definition and a narrative the child can grow into. Understanding the linguistic origin and cultural setting of a name like Bartholomew helps parents make a choice that is both personally meaningful and culturally informed. Explore more names in our Christian Boys Names collection to compare options with similar roots and meanings.

In traditional name numerology, Bartholomew is associated with lucky number 8. The colors Red, Gold are considered favorable , especially on Sunday. The gemstone Jasper is traditionally associated with this name. Numerology is a cultural tradition valued by many families — while it is not a science, it adds a personal layer of meaning to the naming process for those who appreciate these customs.

Explore More Christian Boys Names

Bartholomew is part of our curated Christian Boys Names collection, where every name includes its meaning, origin, pronunciation guide and cultural context. Browse the full collection to discover names with similar meanings and origins — and use the compare tool to evaluate your favorites side by side.

History / Notes

Bartholomew appears in all New Testament lists of the twelve apostles (Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:14, Acts 1:13). He is traditionally identified with Nathanael of Cana (John 1:45-51), whom Jesus called an Israelite in whom there is no deceit. If this identification is correct, Bartholomew was brought to Jesus by Philip and immediately recognized Jesus as Son of God and King of Israel. He witnessed Jesus ministry, resurrection, and ascension. Tradition holds he preached in India, Armenia, and elsewhere, and was martyred by being flayed alive (skinned) in Albanopolis. He is patron saint of Armenia, tanners, and bookbinders. His relics are venerated in Rome, Canterbury, and elsewhere. The name means son of Talmai, Talmai being an Aramaic name meaning furrowed or abounding in furrows. Bartholomew thus identifies him by patronymic, suggesting his fathers name was Talmai. As an apostle, he represents those who respond to Jesus call without deceit, whose hearts are open to divine truth. His traditional mission to India and Armenia demonstrates the apostles spread of the gospel beyond the Roman world. Bartholomews martyrdom by flaying became a powerful symbol of witness unto death. His feast day is August 24. The name carries apostolic authority and the call to follow Jesus with simple, honest faith.

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