Bernard
Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings
Origin:French
How to pronounce the name Bernard
Pronunciation guide for Bernard
ARPA
B ER0 N AA1 R D
IPA
ˈbərnərd
Pronunciation Breakdown
Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say Bernard
Syllables (2)
B ER0 N AA1 R D
Bold syllables indicate primary stress
Sound Breakdown
B
bee (b)ER0
hurt (ɝ)N
knee (n)AA1
odd (ɑ)R
read (r)D
dee (d)International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
ˈbərnərd
Standard international representation
Pronunciation Tips
• Bernard has 2 syllables. Take your time with each part.
• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.
Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of Bernard
Structure
Character Count
7
Syllable Count
2
Vowel Ratio
29%
Name Family
bern
Usability
Pronunciation Difficulty5/10
Moderate difficulty
International Friendliness10/10
Works well across languages
DNA profile of the name Bernard
Unique character and personality of the name Bernard
Name Personality
The Global
Global
Adaptable
Modern
Key Characteristics
Length
Medium
Balanced and versatile
Rhythm
Flowing
Balanced rhythm
Sound
Strong
Consonant-rich and crisp
Ease
Moderate
May require practice
Global
Universal
Works across cultures
Heritage
bern
Part of this name family
Letter Frequency
r×2
b×1
e×1
Most frequent letters in Bernard
Visual Pattern
Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants
Name Statistics
📊
Syllables
2 syllables
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Moderate
5/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Excellent
10/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison
How does Bernard compare to the average name?
Bernard5/10 😐
5.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0
Bernard is average difficulty.
Difficulty Scale:
Very Easy (0–2)
Easy (2–4)
Moderate (4–6)← Bernard
Challenging (6–8)
Difficult (9–11)
👨👩👧👦Name Family
Names related to Bernard (root: bern)
Current Name
Bernard
Related Names (15)
Short variations:
Bern
Berna
Medium variations:
Bernab
Bernabe
Bernabeu
Bernace
Bernadet
Long variations:
Bernadean
Bernadeen
Bernadene
Bernadeta
Bernadete
Bernadett
Bernadetta
Bernadette
Bernard belongs to a family of 30 related names.Showing 15 most common variations.
What does the name Bernard mean?
The meaning and origin of Bernard
Historical Reference
1. French physiologist noted for research on secretions of the alimentary canal and the glycogenic function of the liver (1813-1878)
Meaning Theme
The emotional tone and themes in Bernard's meanings
Primary Theme
🌿
Natural
Inspired by nature, elements, or the natural world
Theme Distribution
Natural
1
Key Themes
research
Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for Bernard
Life Path Number
8
The Achiever
Natural executives who excel at manifesting material success and authority.
Ambitious
Powerful
Business-minded
Authoritative
Most Common Letters
r×2
b×1
e×1
n×1
a×1
Sound Composition
Vowels
2(29%)
Consonants
5(71%)
Consonant-heavy names tend to sound more crisp and strong
Numerology Breakdown
b2
e5
r9
n5
a1
r9
d4
Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.
Notable People Named Bernard
Famous individuals named Bernard
👤
Jean-Louis Barrault
French actor and theatre director (1910–1994)
Born: 1910
Where is Bernard popular?
Countries where Bernard ranks in the top baby names
How popular is the name Bernard?
Popularity rankings and trends for Bernard around the world
Bernard Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for boys named Bernard
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Bernard Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for girls named Bernard
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Country Comparison
How Bernard ranks across different countries
Showing top 5 countries by ranking (lower rank = more popular)
Parents who like Bernard also like these names
Names similar to Bernard in style, sound, and origin
What words rhyme with the name Bernard?
Rhyming words for Bernard
alard
archard
ard
avant-garde
bard
barred
bedard
belgard
bellard
benard
berard
berrard
bevard
billard
boilard
bolyard
bombard
bongard
borchard
bossard
Frequently Asked Questions
How popular is Bernard in Australia?
Bernard is moderately popular in Australia as of 1966, ranking at #89. It ranks in the top 100 boys' names.
How popular is Bernard in Canada?
Bernard is moderately popular in Canada as of 1948, ranking at #100. It ranks in the top 100 boys' names.
How popular is Bernard in France?
Bernard is used but uncommon in France as of 1993, ranking at #461. While it is used as a boys' name, it's relatively uncommon.
How popular is Bernard in New Zealand?
Bernard is moderately popular in New Zealand as of 1965, ranking at #94. It ranks in the top 100 boys' names.
How popular is Bernard in United States?
Bernard is used but uncommon in United States as of 2008, ranking at #943. While it is used as a boys' name, it's relatively uncommon.
How do you pronounce Bernard?
IPA: /ˈbərnərd/ ARPA: B ER0 N AA1 R D This name has a moderate pronunciation difficulty.
How many syllables are in Bernard?
Bernard has 2 syllables.
Is Bernard easy to pronounce?
Bernard has moderate pronunciation difficulty. Some people may need to hear it a few times to get it right.
Is Bernard easy to pronounce internationally?
Yes, Bernard is extremely international-friendly (10/10). It uses sounds that are common across many languages and cultures, making it easy for people worldwide to pronounce.
Who are some famous people named Bernard?
There are 100 notable people named Bernard. This name has significant cultural presence and recognition.
What names are similar to Bernard?
Names similar to Bernard include: Bern, Berna, Bernab, Bernabe, Bernabeu. These names share similar sounds or roots.
Is Bernard a good baby name?
Bernard is a good baby name, particularly if you value names that are internationally friendly.
Is Bernard a boy or girl name?
Bernard can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell Bernard?
The name is spelled B-e-r-n-a-r-d. Common spelling variations include: Bern, Berna, Bernab.
What are common nicknames for Bernard?
Common nicknames for Bernard include: Ber, Berny, Berie. Nicknames often develop naturally based on personal preference and family traditions.
What does the name Bernard mean?
The name Bernard means "Bernard n 1: French physiologist noted for research on secretions of the alimentary canal and the glycogenic function of the liver (1813-1878) [syn: {Bernard}, {Claude Bernard}]." This name carries significant cultural and historical weight, reflecting the traditions and values of the cultures from which it originates. The meaning of a name often influences how it is perceived and can hold special significance for families choosing this name for their child.
What middle names go well with Bernard?
Middle names that pair well with Bernard include: Elizabeth, Alexander, Benjamin. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
What sibling names pair well with Bernard?
Sibling names that pair well with Bernard include: Bern, Berna, Bernab, Bernabe. These names share similar origins, sounds, or cultural backgrounds, creating a cohesive family naming theme.
Will teachers be able to pronounce Bernard?
Most teachers will be able to pronounce Bernard correctly after hearing it once or twice. It's relatively phonetic and doesn't contain unusual sound combinations. You may need to provide pronunciation guidance at the start of each school year.
What culture is the name Bernard from?
Bernard originates from French culture. French names reflect the romance language heritage of France, often influenced by Latin, Germanic, and Celtic origins. French naming traditions emphasize elegance and historical continuity. Understanding a name's cultural origin provides insight into its deeper significance and the traditions it represents.
Is Bernard suitable for a professional career?
Bernard is well-suited for professional contexts. It's internationally friendly for global careers and appropriate length for business cards and email addresses. Names that are easy to say, spell, and remember often have advantages in career settings, though ultimately competence matters far more than name choice.
Is Bernard a long or short name?
Bernard is a short name with 7 letters (2 syllables). Short names are practical and easy to use in everyday contexts. They rarely need nicknames.
What are common misspellings of Bernard?
Common spelling variations of Bernard include: Berna, Bernab, Bernabe. Always verify the correct spelling with the parent.
What's the difference between Bernard and Bern?
Bernard and Bern are related names that share similar origins or sounds. Bernard is spelled Bernard while Bern is spelled Bern. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, cultural background, or family tradition.