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.
The name Bennard had a notable start with 8 births recorded in 1918, followed by a gap until 1929 when there were 5 births. The next peak was in the mid-1930s with 6 births in 1935 and another 5 births in 1936. After that, it was not recorded again until 1955 with another 5 births. Overall, Bennard has seen a total of 29 births across these years.