Bernward

Bernward is an old German first name that consists of two components from Old High German: the word 'bero', which means 'bear', and 'wart', which means 'guardian' or 'protector'. Thus, it carries the meaning 'the bear guardian' or 'the protector from the bear'. An alternative spelling is Bernwart.

What does the name Bernward mean?

The name Bernward is made up of the Old High German words 'bero' for 'bear' and 'wart' for 'guardian' or 'protector'. Thus, it means 'the bear guardian' or 'the protector from the bear'. An alternative spelling is Bernwart.

Where does the name Bernward come from?

Bernward is a masculine first name of Old High German origin, which carries the meaning 'the bear guardian' or 'the protector from the bear'. The word parts come from Old High German: 'bero' stands for bear and 'wart' for guardian or protector.

How do you pronounce Bernward?

The pronunciation of Bernward is sonorous and two-syllable. It is pronounced 'Bern-ward' [ˈbɛʁnvaʁt], with the middle part compact and the final syllable sounding sonorous. The rolling or aspirated 'r' gives the name liveliness, while the 'd' provides a firm closure. Overall, Bernward radiates dignity and strength – historically, characterful, and established.

When is the name day of Bernward?

November 20

Popularity

In Germany, Bernward is one of the rarer first names. In 2018, it reached the 3,918th place in the list of the most common male first names. Its best ranking was in 2012 with the 3,479th place. In the last ten years, the name has been given less than 10 times, placing it at 6,739th in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, it ranks 6,182.

Nicknames & pet names

Bernharz / Berni / Bernie / Wardi

Famous people

• Bernward Büker (German musician)
• Bernward Dörner (German contemporary historian)
• Bernward Gesang (German philosopher)
• Bernward Grünewald (German philosopher)
• Bernward Josef Gottlieb (doctor from Germany)
• Bernward Josef Gottlieb (*1910) German doctor, medical historian)
• Bernward Koch (composer and musician)
• Bernward Löwenberg (legal scholar)
• Bernward Malaka (German musician)
• Bernward Müller (German politician)
• Bernward Schmidt (church historian and theologian)
• Bernward Thole (media scientist)
• Bernward Vesper (writer (1938-1971))
• Bernward von Hildesheim (Bishop of Hildesheim (993–1022))
• Henning Bernward Witter (theologian from the USA)