A 1930s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Bernabe since 1916
Babies named Bernabe per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1993, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Bernabe's real moment was 1930.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 34 |
| 1920s | 129 |
| 1930s | 130 |
| 1940s | 102 |
| 1950s | 123 |
| 1960s | 149 |
| 1970s | 175 |
| 1980s | 243 |
| 1990s | 277 |
| 2000s | 235 |
| 2010s | 141 |
| 2020s | 86 |
Meaning & origin
Bernabe is a Spanish form of Barnabas, an ancient name with biblical roots. In the U.S., its peak usage occurred in 1930, but it has remained rare overall. The name has been given to boys since at least 1916, the earliest year in Social Security data. Since 2015, its trajectory has been rising, suggesting a modest revival. While still uncommon, Bernabe carries a strong religious heritage and a distinctive sound that appeals to families seeking a traditional name with Spanish flair. Its top association remains the New Testament figure Barnabas, the 'son of consolation,' a meaning that resonates with many parents today.
Bernabe is the Spanish form of Barnabas, which itself derives from the Aramaic bar nĕḇūʾā, meaning 'son of prophecy' (or 'son of exhortation/consolation' from bar nəḇāḏā). In the New Testament, Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus and an early Christian missionary, companion of Paul. The name has been used in Spain and Latin America since the medieval period, often among Catholic families honoring the saint.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Berni, Nabe
Sibling names for Bernabe
Names that share Bernabe's style, for a brother or sister.
