Surname Bernardus - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Bernardus: What does the surname Bernardus mean?
The surname Bernardus is of Germanic origin and is derived from the personal name Bernard. In Old German, the name means “hardy/strong”, “brave/bold”, or “courageous/valiant”. It is derived from the Old High German compounds Bern-hard and Bern-hardin.
The name was common among European nobility throughout the Middle Ages and became particularly widespread among the Germanic ruling classes. It was imported to the British Isles during the Norman Conquest, and the English variant of the name, Bernard, is thought to have been introduced alongside William the Conqueror. After the Norman invasion, the surname became established in several branches of the nobility throughout England, Scotland and Ireland.
In the 20th century, the name spread even further throughout the world due to increased settlement and emigration. It continues to be popular in many countries, including the U.K., Poland, Lithuania, Germany, Holland, France, the United States and Canada.
The surname Bernardus continues to be a symbol of strength, courage and bravery. It is a reminder of its European roots and the people who have been proud of its history and origins over many centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisBernardus: Where does the name Bernardus come from?
The last name Bernardus is thought to be of Belgian origin, with Belgium being its main point of origin. It is more common in Belgium and its surrounding countries today.
The name may also be found as Bernardes or Bernardez in Portugal, where it is more commonly used as a patronymic surname. This is a name which indicates that it was originally derived from an individual's given name.
In some cases, the name Bernardus may be of French or German origin as well. It is common among French-speaking communities of the Charente region of France, and it is also quite frequent in Germany, particularly in the Rhineland-Palatinate state.
Outside of Europe, the last name Bernardus is not commonly found. However, some individuals bearing the name have emigrated and settled in other parts of the world, such as the United States, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, and may be found in these countries as well. The last name may be found in parts of Latin America as well, particularly Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico.
Variations of the surname Bernardus
Variants of the surname Bernardus include Barnard, Barnhard, Barnhardus, Bernard, Bernhard, Bernhardi, Bernhardinus, Bernhardus, Bernhardt, and Bernhardus. A number of alternative spellings are also seen, including Bernar, Berhard, Bernhardin, Bernhardine, Barnhards, and Barnhardts.
The surname Bernardus originated from the Germanic name Berhard and the Old French surname Bernard. The two names together form an ancestor of the modern Bernardus family. Berhard meaning “strong and hardy one”, is thought to be derived from two Germanic words - ber “bear” and hard “brave”. The Old French Bernard also associated with the French “bern,” meaning “bear.”
The surname has existed in Europe, especially in Germany, since the early Middle Ages. It is also found in various colonial contexts throughout Europe, North America, South America, and Africa as the result of colonization. Throughout its history, different spellings and variants of the surname Bernardus have been used.
The surname was historically found in the Scandinavian countries under different spellings, such as the Swedish Barnard, Bärnhard, and Bärnhardsson. In the United States, the surname can also be found under the shortened versions of Barnard and Bernard, as well as its variations. In Canada, the surname Bernardus is common in Quebec and in the Maritime provinces.
In German-speaking countries, the surname Barnhard is still common, typically among Mennonites. In Dutch-speaking countries, the variant form Barnhardus is also seen. The spelling Bernhard is seen across various European countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Hungary.
In England, the surname is found under the spellings Bernard, Bernar, Berhard, Bernardin, and Bernardine. In France, the forms of Bernardini, Bernardin, and Bernardine are common. In Spain, the surname is seen under the form Bernardez. As the result of migration, different cultures have developed and maintained their own versions of the surname Bernardus.
Famous people with the name Bernardus
- E. Bernardus Poetrus, an Indonesian poet living in exile in the United States.
- Ferdi Bernardus, Dutch artist who is primarily known for his work in television puppetry.
- Mark Bernardus, Dutch football manager and coach.
- Pieter Jan Bernardus van Bemmelen, Dutch violinist and composer.
- Samuel Bernardus, Dutch-born American sculptor and painter.
- Tobias Bernardus Marinus, Dutch landscape painter.
- Willem Barnardus Johannes Tenenbaum, Dutch aviator during World War II.
- Willem Bernardus Cornelis van Leersum, Dutch military officer and recipient of the Bulkhead of Honor.
- Willem Bernardus van Loo, Dutch physicist, the discoverer of the Van Loo effect.
- Micha Bernardus Boering, Dutch entomologist specializing in Diptera.
- Paul Bernardus Maaskant, Dutch holocaust survivor and author.
- Jan Bernardus van der Meer, Dutch physicist and researcher in molecular electronics.
- Pieter Bernardus Artz, Dutch war artist of the First World War.