Surname · French origin
Bernard
Meaning
The surname Bernard means Brave as a bear.
Origin
French
Type
patronymic
The origin of the surname Bernard
Bernard comes from a Germanic name, “brave as a bear.”
What kind of surname is Bernard?
Bernard is a patronymic surname, derived from a father's or ancestor's given name. It belongs to the French naming tradition — you can read how French surnames were formed on our French last names page.
Other French surnames
Other patronymic surnames
Family names formed the same way, from different cultures.
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Bernard mean?
The surname Bernard means Brave as a bear. Bernard comes from a Germanic name, “brave as a bear.”
Where does the surname Bernard come from?
Bernard is a surname of French origin.
What kind of surname is Bernard?
Bernard is a patronymic surname, derived from a father's or ancestor's given name.
What are other French surnames?
Other French surnames include Blanc, Dubois, Dumont, Durand, Duval, Faure.