Theobald
Theobald is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. It derives from the elements theud meaning "people" and bald meaning "bold" or "brave." Therefore, the name is often interpreted as "bold people" or "brave among the people."
The name has historical significance, appearing in various forms and associated with figures across different time periods and regions, particularly within Germanic-speaking areas of Europe.
Forms and Variations:
- English: Theobald
- French: Thibault, Thiebault, Thibaut
- German: Theobald, Dietbald
- Italian: Teobaldo
- Spanish: Teobaldo
The name has also given rise to various surnames, such as Tibbalds and Tibbetts.
Historical Significance:
The name was borne by several notable figures throughout history, including:
- Theobald of Bec (Saint Theobald): Archbishop of Canterbury in the 12th century.
- Various counts and dukes in medieval Europe bore the name Theobald or its variant forms.
Popularity:
The popularity of the name Theobald has fluctuated over time and varies by region. It is currently not as common as it was in previous centuries, though variant forms such as Thibault remain relatively popular in some French-speaking regions.