Berchtold (also Berthold, Bertold, Bertolt) is a Germanic name, from the Old High German beruht ('bright' or 'brightly') and waltan ('rule over'). The name comes into fashion in the German High Middle Ages, from about the 11th century. The cognate Old English name is Berhtwald or Beorhtwald, attested as the name of an archbishop in the 8th century. Berchtold appears also as the name of the leader of the Wild Hunt in German folklore of the 16th century. The name is here replacing the female Perchta.