Bernie Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Bernie originates from the Germanic roots 'Bernhard', meaning 'brave as a bear'. Its evolution includes forms like Bernhard and Bernard. The name has gained popularity in the 20th century and is associated with a friendly image. It has no biblical background. Notable individuals include Bernie Sanders and Bernie Mac.
The name Bernie is most popular in New Mexico, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Silent Generation generation in the West 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, Bernie has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Bernie' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 656th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 531st out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 592nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 931st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2183rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4156th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 6709th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1562nd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1673rd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2085th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 7733rd out of 19264 names. Discover how the name 'Bernie' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Bernie"
Pronunciation
/ˈbɜrni/
Origin
Germanic
Etymology
The name Bernie is derived from the Old High German name 'Bernhard', which is composed of the elements 'bern' meaning 'bear' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong'.
Meaning
brave as a bear
Language Evolution
Bernhard, Bernhardus, Bernie
Historical Usage
The name Bernie gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a diminutive form of Bernhard or Bernard.
Variants & Derivatives
Bernard, Bernie, Benny
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Bernie is often perceived as a friendly and approachable name, popularized in modern culture by figures such as Bernie Sanders.
Famous People
Bernie Sanders, Bernie Mac, Bernie Ecclestone
Explore More Bernie Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Bernie"
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 "Bernie"
"Bernie" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 656th of 7545 | 1,482 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 531st of 6773 | 2,285 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 592nd of 7552 | 3,086 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 931st of 10718 | 1,201 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2183rd of 16616 | 486 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 4156th of 24088 | 340 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 6709th of 23106 | 147 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1562nd of 9107 | 468 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1673rd of 9204 | 423 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2085th of 12526 | 527 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 7733rd of 19264 | 81 |
Regional Popularity of "Bernie" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
49.65% 703rd/1416 |
57.00% 786th/1379 |
28.61% 677th/2366 |
67.43% 770th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
30.98% 479th/1546 |
37.40% 582nd/1556 |
26.43% 622nd/2353 |
26.12% 404th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
23.22% 517th/2227 |
25.68% 624th/2430 |
24.19% 690th/2853 |
17.55% 487th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
31.87% 936th/2937 |
35.52% 1237th/3483 |
32.32% 1137th/3518 |
20.92% 846th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
52.36% 2343rd/4475 |
48.23% 2505th/5194 |
24.46% 1545th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
44.71% 2309th/5164 |
68.67% 5022nd/7313 |
38.34% 2861st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - |
65.98% 4141st/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Bernie" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
100.00% 2366th/2366 |
79.42% 907th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
86.40% 2033rd/2353 |
75.95% 1175th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
100.00% 2227th/2227 |
100.00% 2430th/2430 |
- |
92.22% 2559th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Bernie"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Bernie" 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.