Bartholomew

Bartholomew is a given name and surname of Aramaic origin, transmitted through Greek as Bartholomaios, meaning “son of Talmai.” The form has many linguistic variants across cultures, including Bartholomeus, Bartholomeo, and Bartolomé.

The most prominent bearer of the name in history is Saint Bartholomew the Apostle, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. In the New Testament, Bartholomew is listed among the apostles, and the Gospel of John identifies him with Nathanael, described as a true Israelite from Cana in Galilee. Traditions about his life and missionary activity spread them across regions of the ancient Near East; accounts of his martyrdom vary by tradition, and the historical details are not documented in the biblical text. He is traditionally associated with Armenia, among other locales, and legends about his death persist in later Christian writings.

In Christian art and iconography, Bartholomew is commonly depicted holding or bearing a knife, a symbol linked to the martyrdom tradition. His feast day is celebrated on August 24 in the Western Christian calendar, with other dates observed in different Christian rites.

Beyond the apostle, Bartholomew is used as a given name and, less commonly, as a surname. Notable individuals include Bartholomew I, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople since 1991, and Bartholomew Roberts, the Welsh pirate known as Black Bart. The name remains in use in various languages and cultures, often reflecting religious or genealogical associations.