Theobald

Theobald is a masculine given name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements theod meaning “people” and bald meaning “bold” or “brave.” In Latin, the name appeared as Theobaldus in medieval texts, and it has been adopted in various European languages with forms such as Theobald, Théobald (French), and other local variants. The name has historical usage in ecclesiastical and scholarly contexts and remains in use today in some regions, though it is relatively uncommon in modern times.

Historically, Theobald has been borne by saints, scholars, and statesmen. Notable individuals with the name include Theobald Wolfe Tone, an 18th-century Irish revolutionary and founder of the United Irishmen; Theobald Smith, a prominent American microbiologist and pathologist known for work on vector-borne diseases; and Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg, who served as chancellor of the German Empire from 1909 to 1917. The name also appears in religious history as Saint Theobald of Provins, a 7th-century bishop venerated in the Catholic tradition.

In contemporary contexts, Theobald remains primarily a given name and is occasionally encountered in English- and European-language communities. Variants and related names, such as Diebold in German or Théobald in French, reflect the same linguistic roots. Theobald’s usage today is mostly cultural and historical, with occasional renewed interest from parents seeking classic or traditional names.

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