Meaning and history
Polycarp is the English form of Greek Polykarpos, combining polys, “much” or “many,” with karpos, “fruit,” and means “fruitful” or “bearing much fruit.” Saint Polycarp of Smyrna was a second-century bishop and martyr regarded as an important link between the apostles and later Christianity. His martyrdom is described in one of the earliest Christian martyr narratives. A notable modern bearer is Tanzanian Catholic cardinal Polycarp Pengo. The name remains especially Christian in association.