Holding steady.
Popularity of Berman since 1911
Babies named Berman per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1919, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Berman's real moment was 1911.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 53 |
| 1920s | 70 |
| 1930s | 61 |
| 1940s | 28 |
| 1950s | 21 |
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 6 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Berman is a rare masculine given name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1911, with exactly 5 births that year marking its peak. The name has maintained a stable trajectory, appearing only sporadically in later decades, never reaching mainstream popularity. Its 1-in-N ratio is unavailable due to its infrequent usage, and no state recorded a significant concentration. Berman is closely tied to German-Jewish heritage, reflecting a pattern of adopting occupational surnames as first names among immigrant families. While its meaning as 'bear man' evokes strength, the name remains a distinctive choice for those seeking a name with historical depth but minimal contemporary usage.
Berman is likely a variant of the German surname Behrman, itself derived from Bär 'bear' and Mann 'man', thus an occupational name for a bear keeper or bear handler. The name emerged as a given name in the early 20th century, particularly among Ashkenazi Jewish families in the United States. It remains rare, never attaining widespread popularity.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bernie, Manny
Variants: Behrman, Baerman, Bermann
Sibling names for Berman
Names that share Berman's style, for a brother or sister.
