Origin of the surname Bernardo

This famous personal and later surname, is of pre 5th century German origins. Recorded in over one hundred different spellings ranging from Barnard, Benard, and Bernat, to Bernth, Bernucci, and Bieratowicz, it derives from the male personal name "Bernhard or Beornheard", comprising the elements "bern", meaning the bear, plus "hard", meaning brave, strong or hardy. Perhaps not surprisingly given the meaning of "Hardy bear" the name was always popular. The surname was first recorded in England in the 12th century.

Here records were kept much earlier than was usual in other European countries, and England was the first country to adopt hereditary surnames as we know them today. The initial popularity of the name was also given a boost by the fame of two early saints. These were St. Bernard of Clairvaux (circa 1010 - 1153), the founder of the Cistercian monastery at Clairvaux, and St. Bernard of Menthon (923 - 1108), the founder of Alpine hospices and patron saint of mountaineers. Early examples of the surname recording include Thomas Bernhard of Cambridge, England, in the year 1260, Albertus Berenhardus of Schwenningen, Germany, in 1290, and Gregorius Bernhardt, christened at Chemnitz, Saxony, Germany, on January 18th 1549. The first recorded spelling of the family name is believed to be that of Hugo Bernard, which was dated 1130, in the "Pipe Rolls" of the city of Lincoln, England. This was during the reign of King Henry 1st, known as "The Lion of Justice", 1100 - 1135. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

The surname Bernardo. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

Research into the possible origins of bernardo leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of bernardo.

The surname Bernardo around the world

There is a considerable probability that bernardo has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where bernardo is most abundant are the following.

History of Bernardo

The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named bernardo are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname bernardo.

It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of bernardo could be modified.

Notable Figures Named Bernardo

We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname bernardo, even though not all have been documented to our present day. If you or someone you know bears the surname bernardo, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues.

The surname Bernardo and its bibliographic sources

The bibliography collects information related to the surname bernardo, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of bernardo.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of bernardo, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Bernardo