Boy Name · Germanic Origin
Bernard
Last reviewed: June 2026
Bernard is a boy baby name of Germanic origin, meaning "Brave as a bear". It currently sits in the Top 500 tier of US baby names for 2026, and parents who love Bernard often also consider Bernhard.
Names like Bernard
Frequently asked about Bernard
What does the name Bernard mean?
Bernard means "Brave as a bear" and is of Germanic origin.
What is the origin of Bernard?
Bernard originates in Germanic naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Bernard?
Bernard has 7 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Bernard a boy's or girl's name?
Bernard is primarily used as a boy's name in US records.
How popular is Bernard in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Bernard sits in the Top 500 tier — familiar without being overly common.
What names are similar to Bernard?
Names that share Bernard's sound and style include Bernhard, Bernerd, Barnard, Bernardo, Bernardino.