Holding steady.
Popularity of Bernardine since 1888
Babies named Bernardine per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1925, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Bernardine's real moment was 1931.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 74 |
| 1900s | 128 |
| 1910s | 475 |
| 1920s | 712 |
| 1930s | 622 |
| 1940s | 543 |
| 1950s | 333 |
| 1960s | 187 |
| 1970s | 49 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Bernardine is a classic feminine name that enjoyed its greatest popularity in the early 20th century, reaching a peak in 1931. Although it no longer appears in the top 1000 names in recent years, its trajectory has been stable, indicating a steady but small number of annual uses. Once a familiar choice for girls, Bernardine now offers a vintage feel for parents seeking a traditional name with strong historical roots. Its connection to the more common Bernard gives it a solid etymological foundation.
Bernardine is the feminine form of Bernard, a name of Germanic origin derived from the elements 'ber(n)' meaning 'bear' and 'hard' meaning 'brave, hardy, strong.' It came into use in France and Germany during the medieval period, often given in honor of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. The feminine form Bernardine emerged later, particularly in French and English-speaking countries, and saw its peak popularity in the early 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bernie, Nardine, Dina
Variants: Bernardina, Bernardyna
Sibling names for Bernardine
Names that share Bernardine's style, for a brother or sister.
