Bernal is a surname of Spanish origin, derived from the verb 'bernar', which means 'to feed' or 'to graze'. It is believed to have been given to individuals who were involved in cattle raising or farming. The name has been widely used throughout Spain and Latin America for centuries and can also be found among communities with Hispanic heritage in other parts of the world, such as the United States.
In Spanish-speaking countries, it is not uncommon to find Bernal as a first name. It may have evolved from the use of the surname as a personal name due to family traditions or simply because parents found the name appealing. The name can also be attributed to a historical figure named Juan de Bernal, a Spanish explorer who played a significant role in the colonization of South America.
The most notable bearer of the name Bernal is arguably José Antonio María Gabriel de la Concepción Bernardo Gutiérrez de Lara y Salazar del Potro, commonly known as José María Morelos y Pavón. Born into a family with the surname Bernal, he went on to become one of Mexico's most prominent revolutionary leaders during the Mexican War of Independence against Spain.
Today, Bernal continues to be used as both a first name and a surname among Spanish-speaking communities worldwide. It is considered a strong and distinctive name that carries historical significance due to its association with important figures in Hispanic history.
"The name Bernal experienced a fluctuation in popularity between 1914 and 1969, with years of highs like 18 births in 1918 and lows such as 5 births in several other years. Despite this variation, the total number of births named Bernal over this period amounts to 190."