Bernard

Bernard is a form of the first name Bernhard and is found in English, French, and Dutch-speaking regions. The name is translated as 'the bear strong'.

What does the name Bernard mean?

The name Bernard is derived from Bernhard and means 'the bear strong'. Its roots can be found in Old High German, where it is composed of the elements bero, meaning 'bear', and harti, which means 'firm', 'hard', or 'strong'. In the Middle Ages, the name spread due to the veneration of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, an important founder of the Cistercian Order. With nearly two million bearers, Bernard is one of the most widespread male first names worldwide. The name is particularly common in French and English-speaking areas. A common English short form is Bernie. In Germany, the spelling Bernard is also found, but it is less common than the traditional form Bernhard.

Where does the name Bernard come from?

The first name Bernard comes from Old High German and means 'the bear strong'. The

How do you pronounce Bernard?

The pronunciation of Bernard is sonically harmonious and consists of two syllables. In German, the name is usually pronounced as 'Ber-nard' [bɛʁˈnaʁt], with the emphasis on the second syllable, which gives the name a certain depth. The dense consonant structure creates a weighty sound image. Bernard radiates dignity and tradition and conveys a sense of stability.

When is the name day of Bernard?

The name day of Bernard is celebrated on several dates: May 20, June 13, July 15, August 20, September 28, October 12, November 5, and November 14.

Popularity

In Germany, the boys' name Bernard was mostly within the top 100 to top 200 between 1930 and 1955. In some years, it reached a ranking close to the top 100, but overall it was not a leading name, rather represented in the solid midfield. In the late 1950s and 1960s, Bernard mostly remained in the range of top 150 to top 300. In 1964, it reached a relatively good position at 165, but remained outside the closer favorites list.

Nicknames & pet names

Berna / Berndt / Berni / Bernini / Börni

Famous people

• Arthur Bernard Lewis (American film producer)
• Bernard Anderson (American musician)
• Bernard Bijvoet (architect from Holland)
• Bernard Bolzano (mathematician and philosopher)
• Bernard Boutet de Monvel (artist from France)
• Bernard Bresslaw (British actor, *1934 †1993)
• Bernard Brodhurst (cricketer from England)
• Bernard Chan (swimmer from Singapore)
• Bernard Cunniffe (rugby player from England)
• Bernard Cywinski (architect from the USA)
• Bernard de Neumann (British mathematician)
• Bernard de Soissons (French architect)
• Bernard Derrida (French physicist)
• Bernard Dietz (former footballer (MSV Duisburg); captain of the national team, European champion 1980)
• Bernard Dunne (Irish boxer)
• Bernard Ferdinand Lyot (astronomer from France)
• Bernard Ganley (rugby player from England)
• Bernard Gilles Penot (doctor from France)
• Bernard Herrmann (composer from the USA (some film scores for Alfred Hitchcock))
• Bernard Hill (British actor)