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Bernard

Bernard: name meaning, origin and popularity

Boy nameGermanic origin

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbɜːnΙ™d/ Β· /bΙ™ΙΉΛˆnΙ‘ΙΉd/

Meaning and origin of Bernard

  • A male given name from the Germanic languages.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English Bernard, from Old French Bernard, Bernart, from Medieval Latin Bernardus, probably from Frankish *Bernhard (cognate with Old High German Bernhart, Old English Beornheard), from Proto-Germanic *Bernuharduz, equivalent to bear + -ard. Popularized by medieval European saints.

How popular is Bernard?

137U.S. babies in 2025
#45peak rank (1919)
201,070babies since 1880

Since 1880, 983 girls and 200,087 boys in the U.S. have been named Bernard (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1285 in 1929. Its highest rank for boys was #45 in 1919. In 2025, 137 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.

188019201960200020254,524 peak/yr
U.S. births per year with this name, 1880–2025 (SSA)

Names similar to Bernard

Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.

More Germanic boy names

See all Germanic names β†’

Sibling name ideas for Bernard

Sister and brother names that share Bernard's Germanic roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.

Bernard FAQ

What does the name Bernard mean?

A male given name from the Germanic languages. Inherited from Middle English Bernard, from Old French Bernard, Bernart, from Medieval Latin Bernardus, probably from Frankish *Bernhard (cognate with Old High German Bernhart, Old English Beornheard), from Proto-Germanic *Bernuharduz, equivalent to bear + -ard. Popularized by medieval European saints.

What is the origin of the name Bernard?

Bernard is listed as a name of Germanic origin.

How popular is the name Bernard?

Since 1880, 983 girls and 200,087 boys in the U.S. have been named Bernard (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1285 in 1929. Its highest rank for boys was #45 in 1919. In 2025, 137 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.

Is Bernard a boy or girl name?

Bernard is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 983 girls and 200,087 boys since 1880.

Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.