The name Bernard is a boy's name of German origin meaning "strong, brave as a bear". Bernard and is often added to lists like Old Man Names and discussed in our forums with posts like "Baby a Day".
From the experts:
Bernard is obviously a saint's name, but how did it get to the big, benevolent dog? The eleventh century monk, patron saint of mountain climbers, who lived in the Alps, was famed for setting up safe houses for pilgrims on their way to Rome over the treacherous St. Bernard Pass, and the canine breed, also used to rescue people in treacherous conditions, was named for him.
Over the years, though, the name has taken on a highly intellectual image, losing most of that old Alpine energy. There were lots of little Bernies in the early decades of the twentieth century; Bernard reached as high as Number 45 in 1921.
And the name does have some cultural cred, via playwright (George) Bernard Shaw, seminal art historian Bernard Berenson, and novelist Bernard Malamud. And let's not forget that 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Bernie Sanders's first name is Bernard as well.
Lists containing Bernard:
- Names That Mean Strong, Brave or Powerful
- Names No Boy May Be Cool Enough For
- Old Man Names
- Baby Names from Books
- Top 1920s Baby Names
- Disney Baby Names
- Names to Substitute for Oscar
- Names That Mean Strong
- Cool Classic Boy Names — 100+ below the Top 1000
- Top 1910s Baby Names
- German Shepherd Puppy Names
- Serious Names
Comments
lynnkw528 Says:
paulapuddephatt Says:
I love Bernard and the nickname Bernie. Bernie is also lovely for girls, as a nickname for Bernadette, Bernice, etc.
PineWarrior Says:
I think a cute nickname that could go with this name (although maybe a stretch) could be 'Bear'.
Theodora_Phoenix Says:
I love Bernard and Barney, but I never thought of Barney as a nickname for Bernard. Cool!
princessmadison Says:
I was visiting my preschool class today and i met a little boy and this is his name. I love how his name is Bernard and they call him Barney for short! I think it's the cutest thing!
headintheclouds Says:
One of my cousins is named Bernard. He's just as his name implies- he's tall, with a steady, stoic sort of calming presence, and he's just strong, solid, and a loyal, dependable person. His nickname is Bear, which I think is really cute.
Daily Delivery
Exclusive Nameberry picks, direct to you.
I have a little nephew named Bernard Leroy and we all call him Bernie. Its actually pretty cute.