Holding steady.
Popularity of Bernal since 1914
Babies named Bernal per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 37 |
| 1920s | 47 |
| 1930s | 52 |
| 1940s | 28 |
| 1950s | 21 |
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Bernal is a distinctly uncommon name, never having entered the top 1000 in recent decades. Its peak usage occurred in 1918, reflecting the era's taste for sturdy, Germanic-derived names. The name has seen stable, very low usage since, with no signs of a revival. While its exact 1-in-N ratio is unavailable for recent years, its rarity makes it a distinctive choice for parents seeking an old-fashioned, strong-sounding name without modern popularity.
Bernal is a variant of Bernhald, derived from the Germanic elements 'bern' meaning 'bear' and 'wald' meaning 'rule.' The name came to England with the Normans and was later revived in the 19th century.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Bernal
Names that share Bernal's style, for a brother or sister.
