Bernard derived from the Germanic element bern "bear" combined with hard "brave, hardy". The Normans brought it to England, where it replaced the Old English cognate Beornheard. This was the name of several saints, including Saint Bernard of Menthon who built hospices in the Swiss Alps in the 10th century, and Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, a 12th-century theologian and Doctor of the Church.
Saintly namesake: Bernard of Clairvaux was a French abbot and theologian, influential in the Cistercian order and known for his spiritual writings. He is one of several saints named Bernard. (August 20 · 12th century)
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Names related to Bernard through nicknames, language, or historical forms.