Bernadette is of French origin, derived from the Germanic elements 'bern' meaning 'bear' and 'hard' meaning 'brave'. It was popularized by Saint Bernadette Soubirous, who reported visions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, France during the 19th century. The name Bernadette has been used since the Middle Ages but gained prominence after the events at Lourdes. In English-speaking countries, it is often spelled Bernadette, though variations include Bernadet and Bernarde.
"Bernadette was quite popular as a baby girl name in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with 6 babies named Bernadette each year in 1976 and 1978, and 5 in 1980. Altogether, there were 17 little girls named Bernadette during these years."