The Meaning of the Name Bernardino
Bernardino is a masculine given name derived from the Germanic elements bern, meaning “bear” and hard, meaning “brave” or “hardy.” The name is most commonly found in Spanish-speaking countries, where it is often shortened to Bernardo. It is also used in Italy, Portugal, and other parts of Europe.
Origin and History
The name Bernardino has its roots in the Germanic language. The first element of the name, bern, means “bear” and is derived from the Proto-Germanic word *beronaz. The second element of the name, hard, means “brave” or “hardy” and is derived from the Proto-Germanic word *harduz. Together, these two elements form the name Bernardino.
The name was first recorded in Spain during the Middle Ages. It was popularized by Saint Bernardino of Siena (1380–1444), an Italian Franciscan friar who preached throughout Italy and France. He was canonized in 1450 by Pope Nicholas V.
The name has been used in various forms throughout Europe since then. In Spain, it is often shortened to Bernardo or Berndo; in Italy it is sometimes spelled Bernadino; and in Portugal it is sometimes spelled Bernardim.
Popularity
Bernardino is a popular name in Spanish-speaking countries such as Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela. It is also common in Italy and Portugal. According to data from the United States Social Security Administration (SSA), Bernardino was not among the top 1,000 names given to baby boys born in the United States between 1880 and 2019.
