Animal Names for Girls

Bernardine is really driving home its Bernard connection, for better or worse. Bernadine is the usual form of this name.

Saint Bernardine of Siena was, surprise!, a man, also called Bernardino, a clearer gender signifier. We don't recommend the name Bernardine for your son or your daughter.

Bernardine

Bernardita is a feminine name of German origin, being the Spanish diminutive form of Bernarda, the female version of Bernard. The name means 'brave as a bear' or 'strong, brave bear,' combining 'bern' (bear) and 'hard' (brave, strong). Bernardita gained particular significance in Catholic communities after the Marian apparitions at Lourdes, France, where Saint Bernadette Soubirous (whose name is Bernardita in Spanish) reported seeing the Virgin Mary in 1858. The name is most popular in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Chile and other Latin American nations. Bernardita carries connotations of spiritual devotion, inner strength, and resilience. While not common in English-speaking countries, it offers an elegant, distinctive option with rich cultural and religious connections.

Bernardita

Bernata is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It likely developed as a feminine form of Bernard, a strong Germanic name meaning 'brave as a bear' (from elements 'bern' for bear and 'hard' for brave or strong). In some cultures, particularly Slavic and Catalan, Bernata emerged as a feminine variation of masculine names like Bernat or Bernardo. The name carries a classic, somewhat old-world dignity while being quite rare in English-speaking countries. Bernata combines traditional roots with a melodic feminine ending, appealing to those seeking an uncommon name with historical depth. Though never achieving widespread popularity, Bernata maintains appeal for parents drawn to names with European heritage and distinctive character.

Bernata

Bernee is a feminine name that likely developed as a variation of Bernice, which comes from the Greek name Berenice meaning 'bringing victory.' The altered spelling with a double 'e' ending gives it a softer, more contemporary feel compared to traditional versions. This uncommon name maintains the historical connections of Bernice while offering a distinct spelling and pronunciation. Bernee has never been widely popular, making it a choice that stands out. The name has a gentle quality with its soft ending sound, while still carrying the strength associated with its victorious meaning. It might appeal to parents seeking a name with historical roots but a modern presentation.

Bernee

Berneen is a feminine name that appears to be a modern variation of names like Bernadette or Bernice, with possible Irish influence in its ending. This rare name combines the strong Germanic element 'bern' meaning 'bear' with the Irish diminutive suffix '-een,' creating a unique cross-cultural blend. 

Berneen has never been widely popular but may appeal to families looking for an uncommon name with a familiar sound pattern. It carries the strength associated with bear imagery while the suffix adds a gentle, feminine quality. 

Though scarce in usage, Berneen might be chosen by parents seeking to honor relatives named Bernard, Bernadette, or Bernice while giving their daughter a distinctive variation.

Berneen

Berneice is a feminine name representing an alternative spelling of Bernice, which derives from the Greek 'Berenikē' meaning 'bringing victory.' This name appears in the Bible as the daughter of King Agrippa I. The Berneice spelling variation emerged in the early 20th century in the United States, when the name experienced its peak popularity. This spelling was particularly common between the 1910s and 1930s but has since become quite rare. Like its traditional counterpart, Berneice has a vintage charm and dignified sound. The name's classical roots and biblical connection appeal to those seeking names with historical depth, while the distinctive spelling offers a slight twist on the more conventional form.

Berneice

Bernell is a feminine name with Germanic roots, though it can occasionally be used for boys as well. It's believed to be a variant of Bernelle or a feminine form of Bernard, which means 'brave as a bear' or 'strong, brave bear.' The name combines 'bern' (bear) and 'hard' (brave, strong). Bernell enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon today, giving it a vintage charm. Its association with the strength and courage of bears gives the name a powerful undertone despite its gentle sound. The name offers the appealing nickname options of Bernie or Nell, adding to its versatility.

Bernell

Bernelle is a feminine name that appears to be a decorative elaboration of Bernie or Bernadette, names ultimately derived from Germanic roots meaning 'brave as a bear.' The addition of the feminine '-elle' suffix gives it a French-inspired flair and elegant quality. Bernelle has never been widely used, remaining a rare choice throughout recorded naming history. This scarcity gives it a distinctive charm for those seeking something truly uncommon. The name balances strength (from its Germanic origins) with grace (through its French-sounding ending). Those named Bernelle likely experience having a name that stands out while still being relatively easy to pronounce and understand. The name might appeal to parents looking to honor a relative named Bernard or Bernadette while creating something more distinctly feminine.

Bernelle

Bernessa is a rare form of the old-fashioned biblical name Bernice, once stylish but now fallen from favor -- though according to the Hundred Year Rule, it could be time for a comeback.
 
Bernessa softens and updates Bernice quite a bit. No baby girls were named Bernessa in the US last year, which may make this an excellent choice if you are looking for a unique name with real history.

Bernessa

Bernetta is a feminine name derived from the Germanic name Bernard, composed of elements meaning "bear" and "brave" or "hardy." As a feminine diminutive, it softens these strong qualities while retaining connotations of strength and resilience. The name saw modest popularity in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, particularly in the 1920s through 1940s. Bernetta offers a vintage charm with its melodious quality and rhythmic ending, making it more elaborate than the simpler Bernice or Bernadette. While uncommon in contemporary usage, it represents a distinctive option for parents drawn to vintage names or seeking to honor a Bernard in the family. The name's association with bear imagery suggests protective qualities and natural strength.

Bernetta

Bernette is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Bernadette or the feminine version of Bernard. It has French roots, where the element 'bern' comes from Germanic origins meaning 'brave as a bear.' This charming variation emerged primarily in the early to mid-20th century but never achieved widespread popularity. Bernette saw modest usage in the United States during the 1920s-1940s before gradually declining. The name carries a vintage, somewhat sophisticated quality that might appeal to parents seeking an uncommon name with historical ties. Bernette offers the friendly nicknames Bernie or Nettie. The name's rarity today gives it distinction while its familiar construction makes it accessible, striking a balance between uniqueness and tradition that some parents might find appealing.

Bernette

Bernharda is the feminine form of Bernard, a name of Germanic origin combining the elements 'bern' (bear) and 'hard' (brave, strong), literally meaning 'brave as a bear' or 'strong as a bear.' While Bernard has maintained moderate popularity for males throughout Western history, Bernharda is considerably rarer as a feminine name. It carries connotations of strength, courage, and resilience. The name has historical connections to several saints and notable figures named Bernard, including Bernard of Clairvaux. Bernharda might be more commonly found in Germanic countries or regions with strong Germanic heritage. This distinctive name offers a powerful alternative to more common feminine names, conveying determination and inner strength while maintaining a traditional European sensibility.

Bernharda

Berni is a feminine diminutive of Bernice or Bernadette, though it can also serve as a nickname for any name beginning with 'Bern-'. The root names derive from Greek (Bernice, meaning 'bringing victory') or Germanic (Bernadette, containing the element 'bear'). Primarily used as a familiar, affectionate form, Berni has occasionally been given as an independent name, offering a friendly, approachable quality with its soft ending. The name peaked in popularity during the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon as a formal given name. Berni's unpretentious, warm character makes it appealing to parents seeking something simple yet distinctive. The name's brevity and easy pronunciation give it a contemporary feel despite its traditional roots.

Berni

Bernideene is an extremely rare feminine name that appears to be an elaborate variant of Bernadine or Bernadette. These names derive from the masculine Bernard, which comes from Germanic elements meaning 'brave' or 'strong' and 'bear.' The additional syllables in Bernideene create a more ornate, flowing version of the traditional name. This name would have likely emerged as a creative variation in the mid-20th century when longer, more elaborate feminine names were fashionable. Its extreme rarity means that a person named Bernideene would almost certainly be the only one in most social circles. The name carries the strength of its root meaning while offering a distinctly feminine, almost musical quality through its extended syllabic structure.

Bernideene

Bernidine is a feminine name derived from the Germanic name Bernard, meaning 'brave as a bear' or 'strong, brave bear.' It combines the traditional masculine name with the feminine suffix '-ine,' creating a distinctive feminine variation. Popular primarily in the first half of the 20th century, Bernidine has since become quite rare. The name carries a vintage quality that reflects naming patterns from earlier eras, particularly the 1920s-1940s when elaborated feminine forms of masculine names were fashionable. Bernidine offers the potential nicknames Bernie, Dina, or Deena. With its strong meaning and uncommon status, it might appeal to parents seeking a name with historical character and substance that stands apart from contemporary trends.

Bernidine

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.

Bernie

Berniece is a feminine name of French and Greek origins, representing a variant spelling of Bernice, which means 'bringer of victory.' This less common spelling with the extra 'e' emerged in the early 20th century when creative variations of traditional names became fashionable. Berniece peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s, fitting perfectly with the era's preference for names ending in '-ce' sounds. While it has declined in usage since the mid-20th century, it maintains a vintage charm that appeals to parents seeking revival names with historical character. The name offers the friendly nicknames 'Bernie' or 'Niece' and carries associations of strength through its victorious meaning.

Berniece

Bernina is a feminine name with Germanic and Swiss origins. The name is most famously associated with the Bernina mountain range in the Alps and the Bernina Pass that connects Switzerland and Italy. As a personal name, Bernina carries connotations of strength, majesty, and natural beauty. It may have evolved as a feminine form of Bernard, which means "brave as a bear" from Germanic elements. Bernina has a distinctive, melodic quality that makes it stand out, yet remains uncommon in most countries. Its rarity appeals to parents seeking a unique name with strong natural imagery and European heritage. The name's connection to the stunning alpine landscape gives it an association with endurance, grandeur, and timeless beauty.

Bernina

Bernise is a feminine name that likely developed as a variant of Bernice, which comes from the Greek name Berenice meaning 'bringing victory.' This alternate spelling gives the traditional name a softer, more modern feel. Bernise may also connect to the masculine name Bernard, with the feminine suffix added to create a female variant. The name peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1920s-1930s but remains relatively uncommon today, giving it a vintage charm. Bernise carries connotations of triumph and success through its Greek etymology. For parents attracted to names with historical roots and positive meanings, Bernise offers a distinctive alternative to more common vintage revivals while maintaining familiar sounds.

Bernise

Bernita is a feminine name with Germanic origins, derived from the element 'bern' meaning 'bear.' It can be considered a diminutive or feminine form of Bernard or Bernice. The name combines strength (through its connection to the bear) with a gentle, melodic ending that gives it a distinctly feminine quality. Bernita saw modest popularity in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, particularly in the 1920s and 1930s, but has since become uncommon. The name carries a vintage charm typical of names from that era. Parents might choose Bernita for its combination of unusual status today while still having authentic historical usage, its pleasant sound pattern, and the appealing symbolism of the bear's strength and protective nature.