Theobald

Theobald is a male first name that is considered a Latinized variant of the name Dietbald. It can be interpreted as 'the bold in the people', 'the brave in the people', or 'the bold from the people'.

What does the name Theobald mean?

Theobald is a male first name that is considered a Latinized form of Dietbald. The name can be understood as 'the bold in the people', 'the brave in the people', or 'the bold from the people'. Its origin lies in Old High German, deriving from the elements diot or thiot for 'the people' and bald for 'bold', 'brave', 'valiant', or 'undaunted'. In the German-speaking world, the first name Theobald was particularly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. The name spread through Saint Theobald, who lived in France in the 11th century and is regarded as the patron saint of charcoal burners. Additionally, Theobald is also used as a surname. Variants include Dietbold, Diebald, Diebold, Diepold, Diepolt, Debald, Theobaldus, Teobald, Teobaldo, Theodebald, Tebaldo, Theudebald, Theudobald, Thibaud, Thibaut, Thibault, Thiebaud, Thiebaut, Thiebault, and Tybald. A well-known bearer of this name is Theobald von Bethmann Hollweg, the former Chancellor of Germany.

Where does the name Theobald come from?

The origin of the name Theobald is Old High German and encompasses meanings such as 'the brave in the people' or 'the bold in the people'. The name is composed of the Old High German words diot or thiot for 'the people' and bald for 'bold', 'brave', 'valiant', or 'undaunted'. It is prevalent in the languages German and Latinized.

How do you pronounce Theobald?

The pronunciation of Theobald is three syllables and follows a classical structure. It is generally pronounced as 'Theo-bald' [ˈteːoˌbalt], starting with a long E sound. The combination of open vowels and the consonant sequence '-bald' gives it a powerful finish. Theobald radiates tradition and dignity, appearing strong, sonorous, and impressive.

When is the name day of Theobald?

The name day for Theobald is celebrated on July 1.

Popularity

In Germany, Theobald is a fairly popular first name. Currently, it ranks 2,308th on the list of most common male baby names. Its best placement was in 2014, reaching 2,076th. Over the last ten years, Theobald has been chosen about 60 times as a first name, placing it 3,143rd in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 3,168th.

Nicknames & pet names

Theo / Theodeubald

Famous people

• Alexander Theobald van Laer (artist from the USA)
• Carol Joy Walkingstick Theobald Gallaghe (bishop from the USA)
• Heinrich Theobald Schenk (theologian from Germany)
• Hermann Theobald Petschke (German composer)
• Johann Theobald Christ (German physician)
• Johann Theobald Held (Czech physician)
• Johann Theobald Riefesell (German painter)
• John Theobald Clark (English actor)
• Theobald Baumann (German football player)
• Theobald Billicanus (German theologian)
• Theobald Chartran (French painter)
• Theobald Dächsel (German theologian)
• Theobald Kerner (German physician)
• Theobald Michau (Dutch artist)
• Theobald Rehbaum (German violinist)
• Theobald Schorn (artist from Germany)
• Theobald Schwarz (German theologian)
• Theobald Stein (Danish stonemason)
• Theobald von Bar (bishop)
• Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg (Chancellor)