A 1940s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Bernadette since 1880
Babies named Bernadette per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1958, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Bernadette's real moment was 1946.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 93 |
| 1890s | 348 |
| 1900s | 598 |
| 1910s | 2,078 |
| 1920s | 3,533 |
| 1930s | 3,772 |
| 1940s | 8,631 |
| 1950s | 10,701 |
| 1960s | 10,719 |
| 1970s | 5,887 |
| 1980s | 3,271 |
| 1990s | 1,980 |
| 2000s | 946 |
| 2010s | 1,259 |
| 2020s | 1,157 |
Meaning & origin
Bernadette is a classic French feminine form of Bernard, combining the Germanic elements for 'bear' and 'brave.' It has been in use since at least 1880, though its popularity peaked in 1946 when it ranked among the top choices for girls. After declining for decades, it has been on a steady rise since 2008, reflecting a renewed interest in vintage names. Today, with a rank of 1034 in 2025 and a rate of approximately 1 in 6,669 girls, Bernadette remains uncommon but familiar. Its strongest popularity in recent years has been in states like Kansas, Oregon, and Minnesota, where it has a gentle, saintly charm that appeals to parents seeking a name with depth and tradition.
Bernadette is the French feminine diminutive of Bernard, which derives from the Germanic elements 'bern' (bear) and 'hard' (brave, hardy). The name was popularized in France by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux and later spread through Europe. Its use became especially prominent among English speakers in the mid-20th century.
Where Bernadette is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Bernadette” around the world
Where Bernadette lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bernie, Bern, Birdie, Dette
Sibling names for Bernadette
Names that share Bernadette's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Claire, Therese, Monique, Catherine, Anne, Bernadine, Jeanette, Lorraine, Marilyn, Antionette, Danette, Jonette, Lisette, Lissette, Nannette, Renita, Arnetta, Augustina, Bernardine, Bernita, Bobette, Carletta, Jacquie, Janiece, Lorretta, Monette, Paulene, Willette, Angelette, Angenette, Benetta, Berlinda, Berneta, Bernette, Burnette, Claressa, Contina, Danetta, Darnella, Davetta, Davette, Donnabelle, Donnette, Geraldyne, Johnnetta, Jonetta, Leonette, Lorrayne, Lynnetta, Marcelene, Michaeline, Paulett, Rayetta, Robinette, Ronetta, Ronnette, Wanetta, Anthonette, Barbette, Bernestine, Coleta, Dawnette, Dennette, Dorette, Francella, Gennette, Jacquelina, Jannetta, Joanette, Joletta, Justeen, Lonetta, Marlette, Marvetta, Pleshette, Richetta, Tonetta, Tonnette, Yolander, Marnette, Paullette, Burnadette, Carnetta, Claudett, Danett, Dannetta, Danyetta, Deanette, Geanette, Gerardine, Jonnette, Kennette, Lazette, Marcellene, Michaline, Nickolette, Trinetta, Williette, Wynetta
Brothers: Michael, John, Joseph, Patrick, Francis, Baldemar, Dennard, Regginald
Names like Bernadette
Names whose popularity has moved with Bernadette's over the last 50 years.
