Berard – Name Meaning
The name Berard is of French origin and is derived from the Germanic name Berehard, which means “bear-hardy” or “strong as a bear.” The name was popularized in France during the Middle Ages and has been used in various forms throughout Europe since then.
History
The earliest known use of the name Berard dates back to the 11th century when it was used by a French nobleman. It was also used by several members of the French royal family, including King Louis IX (1214-1270). The name was also popular among the Normans, who brought it to England during their invasion in 1066. In England, the name was spelled variously as Berard, Bierard, and Byrard.
In the United States, the name Berard first appeared in records in 1790 when a man named John Berard arrived in Philadelphia from France. Since then, it has been used by many families across the country. Today, it is most commonly found in Louisiana and other parts of the South.
Popularity
Berard is not a particularly common name today. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, there were only about 1,000 people with this name living in the United States as of 2018. However, it is still more popular than some other names that have similar meanings such as Bearnard and Bernhard.
Famous People Named Berard
There are several famous people who have borne this name over the years. These include:
- John Berard, an American Revolutionary War soldier who fought at Bunker Hill;
- Joseph Berard, a French composer;
- Louis Berard, a French painter;
- Pierre Berard, a French sculptor;
- Rene Berard, a French actor;
- Victor Berard, a French explorer.
