Declining since 1985, #4,067 for girls today.
Popularity of Bernice since 1880
Babies named Bernice per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,037 |
| 1890s | 4,094 |
| 1900s | 10,010 |
| 1910s | 40,346 |
| 1920s | 55,842 |
| 1930s | 29,905 |
| 1940s | 17,032 |
| 1950s | 10,829 |
| 1960s | 6,047 |
| 1970s | 2,525 |
| 1980s | 1,489 |
| 1990s | 1,249 |
| 2000s | 868 |
| 2010s | 611 |
| 2020s | 246 |
Meaning & origin
Bernice reached its peak popularity in 1917, ranking among the top 50 names for girls. Since 1985, its usage has steadily declined, reflecting a shift away from vintage names. Despite its low current rank of 4,067th, Bernice retains a classic appeal through its ancient Greek origins and royal connections. The name was borne by queens of Egypt and appears in the Bible, giving it a storied past. In 2025, approximately 1 in 45,922 baby girls was named Bernice, showing its rarity today. While no single state favors it strongly, it has maintained a quiet presence across the U.S. for over a century.
Bernice is the Latin form of the Greek name Berenike, derived from pherein 'to bring' and nike 'victory'. It was common in the Ptolemaic dynasty of ancient Egypt, notably borne by Berenice II, queen of Egypt. The name appears in the New Testament as the sister of King Herod Agrippa II. It entered English usage in the 17th century and became particularly popular in the United States during the early 20th century.
Where Bernice 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.
“Bernice” around the world
Where Bernice lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bernie, Bunny, Nic
Sibling names for Bernice
Names that share Bernice's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Gladys, Ethel, Mildred, Dorothy, Beatrice, Arlene, Vernie, Vernette, Aileene, Aldine, Alfreida, Bernadean, Berneta, Brooksie, Clydie, Jeniece, Verneda, Walterine, Altamese, Berdell, Coretta, Doraine, Floyce, Lenice, Rudene, Verdella, Arnice, Darlette, Darnice, Deneice, Earnestene, Forrestine, Francile, Gearldene, Lorece, Maudean, Verneice
Brothers: Walter, Clarence, Arthur, Harold, Ernest, Willard, Burnell, Therman, Vernard, Vernell, Bernell, Verlyn, Burnie, Burnis, Bernerd, Bearl, Barnell, Berlie, Leroi, Martise
