What does the surname Bernard mean?

The surname Bernard means "Bold as a bear, combining 'ber' (bear) and 'hard' (bold).". It is of Germanic origin.

How common is the Bernard surname?

There are approximately 85,000 people with the surname Bernard in the United States.

Are there Bernard soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 1,975 soldiers with the Bernard surname appear in Civil War records.

Bernard

Patronymic

Meaning

Bold as a bear, combining 'ber' (bear) and 'hard' (bold).

Etymology

Derived from the Germanic elements 'beran' (bear) and 'hard' (hardy, bold). The name became popular in medieval France through Saint Bernard of Clairvaux and Norman nobility.

About the Bernard Surname

A surname derived from the personal name Bernard, indicating descent from a male ancestor named Bernard. It became established as a hereditary surname during the medieval period in France.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 85,000 bearers in the United States #431 most common surname

Rare Common

Primarily found in France, Belgium, and French-speaking regions.

Bernard Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

John Bernard

Rep.

Van Bernard

Quick Facts

Origin: Germanic
Classification: Patronymic
Estimated Bearers: 85,000

War Records

1,975 soldiers with the Bernard surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →