Declining since 1985, #1,362 for boys today.
Popularity of Bernard since 1880
Babies named Bernard per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,616 |
| 1890s | 2,315 |
| 1900s | 3,296 |
| 1910s | 25,628 |
| 1920s | 42,408 |
| 1930s | 30,545 |
| 1940s | 26,446 |
| 1950s | 25,887 |
| 1960s | 17,475 |
| 1970s | 9,100 |
| 1980s | 6,507 |
| 1990s | 4,159 |
| 2000s | 2,252 |
| 2010s | 1,608 |
| 2020s | 845 |
Meaning & origin
Bernard is a classic Germanic name meaning 'brave as a bear,' reflecting its Old English and Norman roots. It peaked in popularity in the United States in 1921, ranking among the top 50 names at that time, but has since declined. By 2025, Bernard ranked 1,362th, with only about 1 in 12,468 boys receiving the name, a notable drop from its mid-century heyday. The name has a steady, old-fashioned feel, with top concentrations in states like New York, North Carolina, and Virginia. Though less common now, Bernard remains a sturdy choice with a clear heritage and distinctive sound.
From the Old German elements 'ber(n)' meaning 'bear' and 'hard' meaning 'brave, hardy.' The name was introduced to England by the Normans and was common throughout medieval Europe, reinforced by Saint Bernard of Menthon (10th century) and several other saints. It saw a revival in the 19th century and was especially popular in the early 20th century.
Where Bernard is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Bernard” around the world
Where Bernard lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bernie, Bern, Berny
Sibling names for Bernard
Names that share Bernard's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Margaret, Dorothy, Helen, Frances, Ruth, Bernadine, Loretta, Bernardine, Bernetta, Bernita, Alfredia, Berlinda, Bernadean, Bernadene, Berneda, Berneta, Bernette, Jamesetta, Lorriane, Ronetta, Anthonette, Berdell, Bernardette, Bernestine, Bevelyn, Jeanenne, Joyceann, Barabara, Bernedette, Marnette, Bernese, Bernetha, Burnadette, Elmarie, Gerarda, Gerardine, Vernestine
Brothers: Walter, Arthur, Edward, Harold, Raymond, Gerard, Vernard, Bernell, Girard, Bernis, Burnie, Radford, Barnell, Lynard
Names like Bernard
Names whose popularity has moved with Bernard's over the last 50 years.
