Bernarda is a unique and distinctively female given name of Spanish origin, derived from the German word 'Brunhilda', which means 'protection'. It is a strong and assertive-sounding name, often associated with individuals who are confident, independent, and commanding in nature. In Spanish-speaking cultures, Bernarda is typically pronounced as ber-NAR-da, with the stress on the second syllable. The name gained prominence through its use by notable figures such as Bernarda Alba, a character from Federico García Lorca's play "The House of Bernarda Alba", which has contributed to its enduring popularity in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries. Despite its strong presence in these regions, Bernarda remains relatively rare elsewhere, making it an uncommon yet striking choice for parents seeking a unique name for their daughter.
"Bernarda peaked in popularity from 1927 to 1932 with high birth numbers (17, 15, 12, 10, and 11 respectively). However, after 1940, the name's usage significantly declined, with only a few years seeing more than 8 births. From 1960 onwards, Bernarda has been quite uncommon, with no year exceeding 10 births."