Bernard
Meaning & Origin
Meaning: Brave as a Bear; Strong
Background: The name Bernard originates from the Germanic elements 'ber' meaning 'bear' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong.' This name was popularized in France through the Old French form 'Bernard,' where it maintained the same meanings associated with bravery and strength.
At a glance
Quick stats based on the history of this name.
Lifetime rank
#185
Total births
200,931
Most popular decade
1920s
(127,989 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-139 ranks)
Years in Top 100
65
First recorded year
1880
Gender usage
99.5% male
0.5% female
Stats by gender
Male
- First year
- 1880
- First year births
- 140
- First year rank
- #97
- Peak year
- 1924
- Peak year births
- 4,505
- Peak rank
- #46
- Most recent year
- 2024
- Recent year births
- 147
- Recent rank
- #1,317
Female
- First year
- 1897
- First year births
- 5
- First year rank
- #1,555
- Peak year
- 1927
- Peak year births
- 34
- Peak rank
- #1,384
- Most recent year
- 1993
- Recent year births
- 8
- Recent rank
- #9,559
Births over time
Number of babies given this name each year.
Rank over time
Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).