Bernell Unisex

Popularity: — · Trend: → Stable

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: BUR-nel //ˈbɜrnɛl//

Origin: English; German

Meaning: English: Brave as a bear; German: Bear strength

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Bernell is derived from the Germanic elements "bern" meaning "bear" and "wald" meaning "rule" or "power." This etymology connects to the Old High German name "Bernhard," which evolved into various forms across different languages, including the Latin "Bernardus." The name was introduced into English through the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, where it became popularized in various forms, including Bernard and its diminutive Bernell. Historically, the name Bernard has been borne by several notable figures, including Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, a 12th-century monk and theologian who played a significant role in the Cistercian reform movement.

His influence was profound, leading to the establishment of numerous monasteries and the spread of the Cistercian order throughout Europe. The name also appears in various historical texts and documents, contributing to its recognition in medieval society.

The King James Bible, completed in the early 17th century, reflects the cultural milieu in which such names were prevalent, although it does not specifically mention Bernell. Culturally, the bear has often been associated with strength and courage, which may have contributed to the enduring appeal of names like Bernell.

In various traditions, the bear symbolizes protection and bravery, resonating with the qualities attributed to rulers and leaders. The diminutive form Bernell may evoke a sense of familiarity and affection, making it a cherished name in familial contexts.

Overall, the name Bernell carries with it a rich tapestry of linguistic roots and historical significance, reflecting a blend of cultural influences that have shaped its legacy.

Famous people named Bernell

In this section, you will find notable people named Bernell. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Bernell who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Bernell who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Bernell Baldwin is a musician best known for his work with the band The New York Voices.

Bernell K. Johnson is an author best known for his novels and contributions to contemporary literature.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Bernell, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

ArnoldGeraldDonaldCarlHarold

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Bernell. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.

BennettBrendanBrandonBernardBensonBarrettBlaineBrock

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Bernell was first seen in the United States in 1912.

Bernell has ranked as high as #1855 nationally, which occurred in 1923, and has been most popular in Louisiana, Illinois, Texas, North Carolina, and Alabama.

In the past 5 years the name Bernell has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Bernell is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Bernell was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Bernell.

Year Total Births Boy Girl
2019 6 6 0
2016 5 5 0
2011 5 5 0
2008 6 6 0
1999 7 7 0
1998 7 7 0
1994 8 8 0
1993 10 10 0
1992 9 9 0
1991 6 6 0
1990 15 15 0
1989 12 12 0
1988 13 13 0
1987 10 10 0
1986 12 12 0
1985 11 11 0
1984 11 11 0
1983 8 8 0
1982 11 11 0
1981 14 14 0
1980 12 12 0
1979 14 14 0
1978 12 12 0
1977 9 9 0
1976 7 7 0
1975 18 18 0
1974 12 12 0
1973 10 10 0
1972 6 6 0
1971 18 18 0
1970 21 21 0
1969 21 16 5
1968 16 10 6
1967 15 8 7
1966 15 10 5
1965 22 22 0
1964 27 21 6
1963 17 17 0
1962 31 23 8
1961 30 23 7
1960 25 16 9
1959 24 15 9
1958 29 24 5
1957 32 23 9
1956 24 24 0
1955 39 27 12
1954 25 17 8
1953 36 25 11
1952 47 38 9
1951 38 27 11
1950 36 25 11
1949 49 33 16
1948 37 28 9
1947 37 24 13
1946 34 15 19
1945 32 20 12
1944 36 14 22
1943 24 17 7
1942 49 28 21
1941 39 23 16
1940 30 17 13
1939 48 29 19
1938 43 24 19
1937 37 22 15
1936 40 21 19
1935 33 14 19
1934 48 27 21
1933 44 29 15
1932 46 26 20
1931 42 17 25
1930 45 26 19
1929 45 28 17
1928 46 28 18
1927 49 22 27
1926 37 18 19
1925 42 18 24
1924 35 15 20
1923 56 39 17
1922 44 29 15
1921 52 27 25
1920 50 27 23
1919 39 23 16
1918 41 21 20
1917 29 16 13
1916 26 18 8
1915 25 14 11
1914 9 9 0
1913 6 6 0
1912 10 10 0

Top States for Bernell (1990)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
LA 6
100%