Brave as a bear
Bernadine is the feminine diminutive of Bernard. It combines the Germanic elements 'bern', meaning bear, and 'hard', meaning brave, hardy, or strong. While it was popular in the mid-20th century, it now carries a vintage charm.
About 6 girls were named Bernadine in 2025.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
First female director of the National Institutes of Health
Law professor and former leader of the Weather Underground
Title character of the 1957 film and song · Bernadine
