The Meaning of the Name Bernardo
The name Bernardo is a Spanish and Italian form of the Germanic name Bernard, which means “strong as a bear”. The name has been popular in Spain since the Middle Ages, when it was borne by several saints and martyrs. It is also found in other countries such as Portugal, Italy, France, and Germany.
In Spanish-speaking countries, Bernardo is often shortened to “Ber” or “Nando”. In Italy, it is sometimes spelled with an extra “o” at the end (Bernardo).
Famous People Named Bernardo
There are many famous people who have borne the name Bernardo throughout history. Some of these include:
- Bernardo O’Higgins (1778-1842), Chilean independence leader
- Bernardo Bertolucci (1941-2018), Italian film director
- Bernardo Silva (born 1994), Portuguese footballer
- Bernardo de Gálvez (1746-1786), Spanish military leader
- Bernardo Provenzano (born 1933), Italian mobster
Popularity of the Name Bernardo
The name Bernardo has been steadily increasing in popularity over the past few decades. In 2019, it was the 5th most popular name for boys born in Spain and the 8th most popular name for boys born in Italy. It is also becoming increasingly popular in other countries such as Mexico and Brazil.