Bernie is a bright and cheerful baby name for boys. Well-known as a nickname since the 11th century, this name has begun to rise in greater prominence due to the fame of U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders. In addition, Bernie Abrahms was a character on the General Hospital series, and Good Ole Bernie was a favorite villain in the DC Comics universe. Keep reading to learn more about this name.
Meaning of the name Bernie:
Germanic: Strong, hardy, tough, brave as a bear
Origin of the name Bernie:
Bernie is a short form of the name Bernard. It is a Norman-French name that originated in the lowlands of Germany. This name combines the Old Germanic root bern (meaning “brave”) with the adjective hard (meaning “strong” or “hardy”). The given name implies that the person is “as brave as a bear.”
Symbolism of the name Bernie:
Bernie is a nickname of Bernard (meaning “brave as a bear”). Historically, the most famous bearer of the name was Saint Bernard (patron of the Swiss Alps). The symbol of Saint Bernard is the beloved dog breed named in his honor.
Style of the name Bernie:
Classic
Gender of the name Bernie:
Bernie is a boy's name though there are some instances of it being given to girls.
Pronunciation of the name Bernie:
BUR-nee
Number of syllables in the name Bernie:
Two
Emotion evoked from the name Bernie:
The name Bernie evokes feelings of steadfastness and strength.
Alternative spellings for the name Bernie:
- Berny
- Bernee
- Berney
Nicknames for the name Bernie:
- Bern
- Berni
Popularity of the name Bernie:
According to the Social Security Administration index, Bernie was the 5,076th most popular baby name for boys in 2021.
Related names for the name Bernie:
Great middle names for Bernie and their meanings:
- Amos (borne of God, carried by God)
- Byrne (son of the raven)
- Carter (transporter of goods)
- Ezekiel (God will strengthen)
- Finnegan (fair)
- Heath (moorland)
- Israel (triumphant with God)
- Leo (lion)
- Valentine (strong, healthy, valorous)
- Vernon (alder tree grove)
- Zev (wolf)
Famous people with the name Bernie:
- Bernie Ecclestone (business magnate)
- Bernie Mac (comedian)
- Bernie Sanders (politician)
- Bernie Wagenblast (voice actor)
- Bernie Wijesekara (sports journalist)
- Bernie Winters (comedian)
Bernie in popular culture:
- Bernie Abrahms (character on the General Hospital series)
- Bernie, Missouri (city in Stoddard County, United States)
- Bernie Barges (protagonist of the Watch My Chops series)
- Bernie Kropp (character The Incredibles series)
- Bernie Steinberg (main character in the Bridget Loves Bernie series)
- Good Ole Bernie (character in the DC Comics universe)