Bernadette Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Bernadette originates from Germanic roots, meaning 'brave as a bear'. It evolved from the Old High German Bernhard to the French Bernadette. It is associated with strength and faith, particularly through the figure of Saint Bernadette. The name has no biblical background but gained historical significance in the 19th century. It is now seen as a traditional name, with several variants and derivatives, and is linked to notable figures in various fields.
The name Bernadette is most popular in New Mexico, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Baby Boomers generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Bernadette has been stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Bernadette' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6024th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6193rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 16616th out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 377th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 303rd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 256th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 349th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 723rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1882nd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1408th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Bernadette' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Bernadette"
Pronunciation
/ˌbɜrnəˈdɛt/
Origin
Germanic
Etymology
The name Bernadette is derived from the Germanic elements 'berna', meaning 'bear', and 'hard', meaning 'brave' or 'strong'. It was popularized by Saint Bernadette Soubirous, who reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, France, in the 19th century.
Meaning
Brave as a bear
Language Evolution
Bernhard (Old High German), Bernadette (French)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the 19th century due to the fame of Saint Bernadette. It became widely used in French-speaking countries and among Catholics worldwide.
Variants & Derivatives
Bernie, Berni, Bernadetta
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Bernadette is viewed as a traditional and somewhat vintage name, often associated with strength and faith due to its religious connections.
Famous People
Saint Bernadette Soubirous, Bernadette Peters, Bernadette Chirac
Explore More Bernadette Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Bernadette"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Bernadette"
"Bernadette" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 6024th of 7552 | 16 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6193rd of 10718 | 39 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 16616th of 16616 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 377th of 9107 | 5,463 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 303rd of 9204 | 8,202 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 256th of 12526 | 21,322 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 349th of 19264 | 11,318 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 723rd of 27321 | 4,333 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1882nd of 35406 | 1,659 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1408th of 30306 | 1,943 |
Regional Popularity of "Bernadette" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Bernadette" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
20.76% 294th/1416 |
16.24% 224th/1379 |
32.97% 780th/2366 |
48.60% 555th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
17.14% 265th/1546 |
10.41% 162nd/1556 |
27.62% 650th/2353 |
28.57% 442nd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
12.44% 277th/2227 |
6.54% 159th/2430 |
14.16% 404th/2853 |
9.84% 273rd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
16.10% 473rd/2937 |
6.26% 218th/3483 |
13.45% 473rd/3518 |
6.85% 277th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
24.72% 911th/3685 |
12.87% 576th/4475 |
20.39% 1059th/5194 |
8.34% 527th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
40.20% 1842nd/4582 |
28.56% 1475th/5164 |
35.20% 2574th/7313 |
19.64% 1466th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
23.27% 927th/3984 |
33.10% 1485th/4487 |
31.96% 2180th/6822 |
22.18% 1392nd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Bernadette"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Bernadette" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.