pronunciation
BER-nard
meaning & origin
The name Bernard means “brave bear.” It comes from the German language tradition.
A Germanic name composed of 'bern' (bear) and 'hard' (brave, strong). Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (12th century) was one of the most influential figures of the medieval Church, and Saint Bernard of Menthon gave his name to both the Alpine pass and the Saint Bernard breed of rescue dog.
famous people named Bernard
- Saint Bernard of Clairvaux
- Bernard Shaw (playwright, known as George Bernard Shaw)
- Bernard Buffet (painter)
names similar to Bernard
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