Bernard Boy

Popularity: #777 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationber-NARD / /bərˈnɑrd/

German; Old High German

Meaning

Brave as a bear; strong as a bear

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Bernard has roots in the Germanic elements 'ber' meaning bear and 'hard' meaning brave or strong. It became popular in the Middle Ages, particularly due to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, a prominent figure in the Cistercian monastic reform. The name has been used across various cultures and languages, often associated with strength and courage.

Trend Summary

Bernard has seen a decline in popularity in the United States since the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

BernieBennettBarneyBrennanBrandonBartholomewBlaineBalthazar

Variants

  • Bernie
  • Bernhard

International Variants

  • Bernardo (Spanish)
  • Bernard (French)
  • Bernhard (German)
  • Béranger (French)

Famous people named Bernard

Bernard Shaw was a renowned playwright and critic, known for his works such as 'Pygmalion' and 'Saint Joan'.

Bernard of Clairvaux was a French abbot and a key figure in the founding of the Cistercian order in the 12th century.

Bernard Hopkins is a former professional boxer and a two-time world champion in two weight classes.

Bernard Cornwell is a British author best known for his historical novels, including the 'Sharpe' series.

Fictional characters named Bernard

Bernard is a character in the animated film 'The Rescuers', serving as a mouse who helps rescue a kidnapped girl.

Bernard Black is the main character in the television series 'Black Books', known for his grumpy demeanor and bookstore ownership.

Sibling Suggestions

BeatriceBenjaminBenedictBiancaBorisBridget

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Bernard was first seen in the United States in 1880. Bernard has ranked as high as #105 nationally, which occurred in 1924, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan. In the past 5 years the name Bernard has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Bernard (2024)

StateBirthsShare
NY 13
15%
FL 13
15%
CA 10
11%
OH 8
9%
IL 7
8%
MA 6
7%
MI 5
6%
MO 5
6%
GA 5
6%
PA 5
6%
TX 5
6%
IN 5
6%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880140
1881130
1882144
1883141
1884140
1885160
1886180
1887159
1888207
1889215
1890178
1891187
1892237
1893217
1894256
1895259
1896241
1897234
1898284
1899222
1900308
1901242
1902259
1903271
1904326
1905292
1906343
1907378
1908414
1909463
1910560
1911777
19121,437
19131,916
19142,436
19153,302
19163,476
19173,711
19184,098
19193,915
19204,163
19214,485
19224,409
19234,376
19244,505
19254,259
19264,172
19274,165
19284,067
19293,809
19303,830
19313,514
19323,252
19333,005
19343,146
19352,933
19362,854
19372,671
19382,715
19392,624
19402,468
19412,509
19422,724
19432,744
19442,619
19452,389
19462,605
19472,994
19482,715
19492,679
19502,637
19512,770
19522,750
19532,746
19542,729
19552,560
19562,483
19572,533
19582,406
19592,275
19602,302
19612,150
19621,971
19631,944
19641,878
19651,675
19661,521
19671,441
19681,307
19691,284
19701,186
19711,168
19721,047
1973945
1974858
1975847
1976793
1977758
1978738
1979760
1980769
1981697
1982677
1983640
1984615
1985653
1986595
1987593
1988609
1989659
1990516
1991558
1992530
1993507
1994413
1995431
1996323
1997319
1998297
1999266
2000275
2001261
2002226
2003220
2004238
2005223
2006194
2007212
2008214
2009189
2010172
2011168
2012150
2013167
2014158
2015151
2016163
2017160
2018167
2019150
2020147
2021143
2022147
2023122
2024147