MallowbyNames

Bertel

BUR-tel · Bright, famous, or illustrious.

Peak popularity
1916
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Bertel since 1913

Babies named Bertel per year in U.S. Social Security records.

4812192019602000Most births 1916Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1910s54
1920s36
1930s15
1940s10
1950s0
1960s0
1970s0
1980s0
1990s0
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Bertel is a name with deep Germanic roots, historically used as a diminutive of Bertram or Albert. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1913 and reached its peak popularity in 1916, though it has never been common. As of 2025, its usage remains stable but rare, with no recent births recorded in significant numbers. The name carries a classic, understated charm, appealing to families interested in traditional Scandinavian or German names. Its straightforward pronunciation and spelling make it accessible, while its rarity offers a distinctive choice.

Bertel is a diminutive of Bertram or Albert, derived from the Old High German 'beraht' meaning 'bright' or 'famous'. It has been used in German-speaking regions and Scandinavia, particularly in Denmark and Sweden, as a short form or given name in its own right.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Bert

Variants: Bertil, Bertel

Sibling names for Bertel

Names that share Bertel's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Greta, Ingrid, Hilda, Elsa, Astrid

Brothers: Axel, Erik, Otto, Nils, Lars

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

B is for Bertel, our favorite little boy.

B is for Bertel…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Bertel's letter becomes Bertel's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Bertel's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Bertel mean?
Bertel means 'bright' or 'famous', derived from the Germanic element 'beraht'.
How popular is the name Bertel?
Bertel is not currently ranked in the U.S. top 1000. It peaked in 1916 and has remained stable with very few births in recent years.
Is Bertel a boy's name?
Yes, Bertel is predominantly used as a boy's name.