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Barnard
Pronounced BAR-nerd /ˈbɑːrnərd/High
Meaning: Barnard is a variant of Bernard, from the Germanic bern, 'bear', and hard, 'brave' or 'hardy', giving the sense of 'strong or bold as a bear'. It is also an English surname. The a-spelling is an old English form; the meaning is inherited whole from Bernard.Medium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Barnard is a spelling variant of Bernard, from the Germanic bern, 'bear', and hard, 'brave', so 'bold as a bear'. Long also an English surname, it saw quiet use as a given name among American families across the twentieth century.
It was never common, a couple dozen boys a year at most around the mid twentieth century, and it stayed rare. A boy given it then is a grandfather now, and it reads as an old variant of Bernard rather than a current choice.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Barnard mean?
It's a variant of Bernard, from Germanic roots meaning 'bold' or 'brave as a bear'.
How do you pronounce Barnard?
It's said BAR-nerd /ˈbɑːrnərd/, two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Barnard a boy or girl name?
Barnard is used as a boy's name.
Is Barnard a popular name?
No, it was always rare, an old variant of Bernard seen only slightly in the twentieth century.