Find out how popular the first name Bear has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Bear by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Bear is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 298 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Bear.

The history of the first name Bear

The name Bear is a modern English word derived from the Old English word "bera", which itself came from the Proto-Germanic "beran". This name has its origins in the Germanic languages and can be traced back to around the 5th century AD. It is believed to be a reference to the bear animal, which was highly revered and seen as a powerful symbol in many ancient cultures.

In Old Norse mythology, the bear was associated with the gods Odin and Thor, and it was believed that warriors who died in battle would be reborn as bears. The bear was also a symbol of strength, courage, and endurance, making it a popular choice for a name.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Bear can be found in the Codex Runicus, a 9th-century manuscript that contains runic inscriptions. The name appears as "Bera", which was a common name among Germanic tribes at the time.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Bear. One of the earliest was Bera of Northumbria (c. 615 - 687), a Northumbrian princess and saint who founded several monasteries in England. Another was Bear the Black (c. 950 - 1020), a Viking warrior and explorer who is believed to have journeyed to North America centuries before Christopher Columbus.

In the 12th century, there was Bear of Clairvaux (c. 1090 - 1153), a Cistercian monk and writer who was a close friend of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. During the Middle Ages, the name Bear was also borne by several English noblemen, including Bear de Greystoke (c. 1256 - 1333) and Bear de Beaumont (c. 1315 - 1379).

In more recent times, notable figures with the name Bear include Bear Bryant (1913 - 1983), an American college football coach and one of the most successful and influential coaches in the history of the sport. There was also Bear Grylls (born 1974), a British adventurer and television presenter best known for his survival skills and outdoor adventures.

The name Bear has endured through the centuries, likely due to its strong and symbolic associations with courage, strength, and endurance. While it may have fallen out of favor in some regions, it remains a popular choice for parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their child.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Bear was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Bear, please contact us.

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