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Name Origin

Bernard is a masculine given name of German origin, derived from the Germanic elements 'bern' meaning 'bear' and 'hard' meaning 'strong' or 'brave'. It traditionally means 'strong as a bear' or 'brave as a bear'.

germanmasculinestrengthcouragebear

Famous People

Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)

Playwright, critic

  • Nobel Prize in Literature (1925)
  • Founded the Fabian Society
  • Wrote influential plays like Pygmalion and Man and Superman

Bernard Sanders (1941-)

Politician

  • U.S. Senator from Vermont (2007-present)
  • Two-time presidential candidate (2016, 2020)
  • Advocate for democratic socialism and progressive policies

Bernard Arnault (1949-)

Businessman, CEO of LVMH

  • One of the richest people in the world
  • Chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE
  • Owns luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Givenchy

Bernard Hopkins (1965-)

Professional boxer

  • Former world champion in multiple weight classes
  • Longest reigning middleweight champion in history (2001-2005)
  • Known for his defensive skills and longevity in the sport

Bernard Herrmann (1911-1975)

Composer

  • Scored numerous Alfred Hitchcock films
  • Won Academy Award for Best Original Score for 'Psycho'

Bernard Cornwell (1944-)

Author

  • Bestselling author known for historical fiction novels, particularly the Sharpe series