Strong as a bear
A variation of the Germanic name Bernard, it combines the elements 'bern' meaning bear and 'hard' meaning brave or strong. It emerged as a distinct surname-style first name in the English-speaking world, particularly in the early 20th century.
Less common today
Bernell isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #3,810 in 1990.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
American college basketball coach
Journalism historian and academic author
