Berend – Name Meaning
The name Berend is of Dutch origin and is derived from the Germanic elements “beraht” meaning “bright” and “hard” meaning “brave”. It is a masculine given name that has been used in the Netherlands since the Middle Ages.
History and Origin
The name Berend is believed to have originated in the Netherlands during the Middle Ages. It was first recorded in 12th century documents as Berandus, which was later shortened to Berend. The name was popular among Dutch nobility and was often used as a given name for sons of noble families.
The name Berend has also been found in other countries such as Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. In some cases, it may be derived from the Old Norse personal name Bjorn or Bernhard. In other cases, it may be derived from the Old High German personal name Beraht.
Popularity
Berend is not a particularly common name in the United States today. According to Social Security Administration data, it ranked at #7,945 in 2019. However, it is more popular in other countries such as the Netherlands where it ranks at #90.
Famous People Named Berend
There are several famous people who have been given the name Berend throughout history. These include:
- Berend van der Meer (17th century Dutch painter)
- Berend Strik (Dutch sculptor)
- Berend Weijs (Dutch footballer)
- Berend Jan Veneberg (Dutch cyclist)
Meaning of the Name Berend
The name Berend means “bright” and “brave”. It is a strong and powerful name that reflects courage and strength of character.
