Bernard Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Bernard come from? What does the surname Bernard mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Bernard and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Bernhard, Barnard, Barnas, Barnett, Barney, Barnick, Benard, Benore, Bera, Berka, Bernal, Bernardez, Bernardin, Bernardo, Bernards, Bernas, Bernat, Berne, Bernotas, Bierl, Biernacki, Biernat, Burnor
Surname Bernard Origin: What does the last name Bernard mean?
The surname Bernard is of French and West Germanic origin, with roots dating back to at least the 9th century. It is derived from the West Germanic elements bern, meaning "bear," and hard, meaning "brave" or "hardy." This masculine given name was notably popular among Old Frisian speakers and gained wider recognition due to Saint Bernhard of Clairvaux. In Ireland, it became an anglicized form of Brian. The name Bernard is also a common surname, especially in France, where it is the second most common surname. As of 2014, it was prevalent in countries like the United States, Haiti, Tanzania, Canada, and Nigeria.
YourRoots data reveals that the Bernard surname has a long history, with records dating back to England in the early 12th century. Over the centuries, the name's presence grew in France, and by the 16th century, it had spread to Canada. The United States saw a significant increase in Bernard family records by the 19th century, surpassing other regions. Today, the Bernard surname remains prominent globally, with a strong presence in countries like the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and the United States, reflecting its widespread adoption and enduring legacy.
Bernard Last Name History: Where did the last name Bernard come from?
Origin of Bernard Surname: Where does the last name Bernard originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Bernard first appeared in records from England (United Kingdom) around the early 12th century. Please note that this information reflects only YourRoots data for the exact "Bernard" spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Bernard: What does the Bernard surname history look like in the early days?
The “Bernard” surname remained closely associated with England (United Kingdom) from the 12th through the 15th century, with a consistent increase in record volume. By the 16th century, YourRoots data shows a shift, with the volume of Bernard surname records growing in France. This trend continued into the 17th and 18th centuries, with Canada showing a notable increase in Bernard family records.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Bernard surname today?
By the 19th century, the volume of records with the Bernard surname grew significantly in the United States, surpassing that of England, France, and Canada. Today, the "Bernard" surname remains prominent in the United States, as well as other regions worldwide. It appears in many countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and the United States, reflecting a truly global spread.
Explore Bernard last name heritage and Bernard surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME BERNARD
Famous People With Bernard Surame?
Crystal Bernard
Crystal Lynn Bernard (born Sep 30, 1961) is a retired American singer-songwriter and actress. She is best known for her roles in the sitcoms Wings, It's a Living, and Happy Days. Bernard also has a music career with albums like The Girl Next Door and Don't Touch Me There.
Susan Bernard
Susan Lynn Bernard (February 11, 1948 – June 21, 2019) was an American author, actress, model, and businesswoman known for her roles in films like "Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!" and her work as a Playboy Playmate. She was also the daughter of photographer Bruno Bernard and the ex-wife of actor Jason Miller.
Hewitt Bernard
Hewitt Bernard (1825 – 24 Feb 1893) was a Canadian lawyer, militia officer, editor, and civil servant. He played a key role in Canadian politics, serving as the private secretary to Prime Minister John A. Macdonald and Deputy Minister of Justice. Some historians consider him a Father of Confederation.
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