A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Berl since 1912
Babies named Berl per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 124 |
| 1920s | 215 |
| 1930s | 149 |
| 1940s | 122 |
| 1950s | 94 |
| 1960s | 41 |
| 1970s | 6 |
| 1980s | 21 |
| 1990s | 21 |
| 2000s | 51 |
| 2010s | 143 |
| 2020s | 102 |
Meaning & origin
Berl is a name that saw its peak popularity in 1917, when it ranked highest in usage, though it has always been uncommon. After a long period of decline, the name has been rising again since 2002. In 2025, it ranked 5,608 with a frequency of 1 in 106,755 births. The name has been recorded as early as 1912 in U.S. data. Its top state historically is New York, reflecting the concentration of Jewish immigrant communities. Despite its obscurity, Berl carries a simple, one-syllable sound and a rustic feel, possibly appealing to those seeking a distinctive vintage name with ties to Yiddish heritage.
Berl is generally considered a Yiddish diminutive or variant of Ber, meaning 'bear'. It may also be a short form of the German name Berthold, which combines Old High German elements 'beraht' (bright) and 'waltan' (to rule). The name has historical use among Ashkenazi Jews in Eastern Europe and later among immigrants to the United States.
Where Berl is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Berl
Names that share Berl's style, for a brother or sister.
