Name meaning & stats
Bernard
Bernard means “brave as a bear” (Germanic origin). 94,739 US babies since 1940, peak 1947. Notable Bernards are 1.9× over-represented as professors.
What it means
“brave as a bear”
GermanicWell documented
In US birth records
Peak year: 1947
94,739 US babies were named Bernard between 1940 and 2025.
Where Bernards end up
| Career | vs expected | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Professor | 1.9× | High · 47 people |
| Politician | 1.2× | High · 46 people |
| NFL-style footballer | 1.0× | High · 32 people |
| Singer | 1.5× | High · 25 people |
Among notable men who are professors, Bernards show up 1.9× as often as you'd expect from how common the name is.
Notable people born 1940–2005 in the US, UK, Canada and Australia (Wikidata). Patterns, not destiny.
One more thing…
Bernard has a surprise career: 1.3×
Spelling family
Bernard is the main spelling
- Bernard 99%
- Bernhard 1%
- Bernerd <1%
Names that sound the same, grouped by Heyotag. Share of US babies since 1940.
Name twins (peaked around 1947)