Bernie

Short form of Bernadette, Bernadine, or Bernice, German

"brave as a bear"

Bernie Origin and Meaning

The name Bernie is a girl's name meaning "brave as a bear".

Bernie is an old school unisex nickname name, on the order of Bobbie or Willie. But with Billie and her tomboyish crew coming back, it's time to get Bernie on your radar! Bernie has a certain vintage charm and is boosted by the funky clunky Bernadette long form.

Politician Bernie Sanders (temporarily) boosted this name for boys but Bernie has not been used as a given name for girls since 1975.

Famous People Named Bernie

• Bernie Dexter pinup model

The name Bernie in Pop Culture

• Bernice "Bernie" Clasky character in the film, "Spanglish"