Balthasar

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Balthasar

Gender: Masculine
Language: English
Etymology:
Balthasar is the English form of the Latin name Baltassar, the Latin form of an n an Phoenician, Chaldean or Persian name, Belshazzar, meaning “Baal Protect the King.” Baal was a storm-god worshipped in ancient Canaan. His name means “Lord,” or “Owner.”

History:
In medieval Christian legend, Balthasar was the name of one of the three wise men. (the others were Jaspar and Melchior). In the Middle Ages, his “relics” were found in both Milan and Cologne, making the name was common in Italy and Germany.

Balthasar has traditionally been rare in English-speaking countries.

Pronunciation: balth-ah-zar.

Alternates: Balthazar.
German: Baltasar.
Italian: Baldassare.
Polish: Bathazar.
Spanish: Baltasar.

Famous Bearers:
Artists and Authors:
Baldassare Peruzzi (1481-1536)
Italian architect and painter.
Baltasar de Alcazar (1530-1606)
Spanish poet.
Baldassare Franceschini (Volterrano) (1611-1689)
Italian painter
Baldassare Galuppi (1706-1785)
Italian composer

Educators, Scholars, and Social Workers:
Baldassare, Conte Castiglione (1478-1529)
Italian writer
Baltasar Gracián (1601-1658)
Spanish Jesuit philosopher.

Political Figures:
Balthazar Johannes Vorster (1915-1983)
South African political leader.

Religious Figures:
Balthazar
The name traditionally given to one of the Three Wise Men.
John XXIII (Baldassare Cossa) (1370-1419)
Antipope.

Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
less than 0.004 % named Balthasar, etc.

Popularity of Balthasar:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1900-2000: N/A