Bennard is a unique and distinctive given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old German name Bernhard, which is composed of two elements: "bern" meaning "bear" and "hard" meaning "strong, brave". Therefore, the name Bennard means "strong as a bear".
The name Bernhard was popular among the Germanic tribes long before it became widespread in other parts of Europe. It was particularly common among the Germans, where it was often used as a personal name or as a surname.
In the Middle Ages, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, a Cistercian abbot and theologian, helped to popularize the name Bernhard across Europe. He was born in 1090 and became one of the most influential figures of the time, known for his writings on mystical theology and his leadership role within the Cistercian order.
Over time, the name Bernhard evolved into various forms across different languages and cultures. In French, it became Bernard; in English, it became Bernard or Barnard; and in Dutch, it became Bernardus or Barend. The name Bennard is a less common variant of these forms, but it still carries the same historical and linguistic roots.
Today, Bennard remains a rare and unusual given name, but its Germanic origins and historical significance make it an interesting choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with meaning. Despite its rarity, the name Bennard has been used by people from various cultures and backgrounds throughout history, making it a truly global name.
Here are some fascinating statistics about the name Bennard in the United States:
From 1918 to 1936, there was a total of 24 babies named Bennard born in the U.S., with birth years distributed as follows:
- In 1918, 8 newborns were given the name Bennard.
- The number of Bennard births peaked again in 1935 with another 6 infants sharing this name.
- However, from 1929 to 1936, there was a slight decline in popularity, with only 5 births each year for those seven years.
After a gap of nearly two decades, the name Bennard resurfaced again in 1955, with another 5 babies being named Bennard that year. This indicates a brief revival of interest in this unique moniker during the mid-20th century.
Overall, from 1918 to 1955, there were a total of 29 newborns named Bennard in the United States. While not one of the most common names, these statistics show that Bennard has had periods of popularity and remains an uncommon yet distinctive name choice for parents seeking something unique for their child.