Holding steady.
Popularity of Berniece since 1886
Babies named Berniece per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 7 |
| 1890s | 188 |
| 1900s | 614 |
| 1910s | 3,023 |
| 1920s | 3,417 |
| 1930s | 1,462 |
| 1940s | 691 |
| 1950s | 299 |
| 1960s | 87 |
| 1970s | 41 |
| 1980s | 10 |
| 1990s | 26 |
| 2000s | 27 |
| 2010s | 17 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Berniece first entered the Social Security Administration's records in 1886, but it never broke into the top 1000 nationally, classified as very rare. It reached its peak year of usage in 1918, likely reflecting the broader popularity of Bernice during that era. Since then, its trajectory has been stable, with no significant revival in the 1910s or later. The name has not been recorded in any top states, suggesting scattered use. While similar names like Bernice saw moderate popularity, Berniece remains a distinctive variant that appeals to those seeking an old-fashioned, uncommon name with a strong, bear-like meaning.
Berniece is a French feminine elaboration of Bernard, a Germanic name derived from 'bern' (bear) and 'hard' (brave, strong). It was introduced to the English-speaking world in the 19th century and primarily used in the United States and Canada. Variants include Bernice, which became more common.
Where Berniece 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bernie, Bee, Niece
Sibling names for Berniece
Names that share Berniece's style, for a brother or sister.
