Ber first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Ber has been for the last 29 years (from 1990 to 2018) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Ber

A Scandinavian baby name meaning "bear".

Popularity of Ber by gender

Based on the last 29 years of data, Ber is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2018, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Ber.

Year Male Count Female Count
2018 5 0
2011 5 0
1990 5 0

The history of the first name Ber

The name Ber has its origins in the Germanic languages, particularly in Old Norse and Old English. It is believed to have derived from the Old Norse word "bjór" or the Old English word "beor," both meaning "bear." This connection to the bear likely stems from the animal's revered status in ancient Germanic mythology and folklore.

In Norse mythology, the bear was associated with strength, courage, and warrior qualities, making it a popular symbol for warriors and kings. The bear was also considered a sacred animal, and its image was often used in religious ceremonies and rituals.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ber can be found in the Old English epic poem "Beowulf," which dates back to between the 8th and 11th centuries. In the poem, the character Beorn is described as a strong and fearless warrior, reflecting the name's association with bravery and power.

Throughout history, various notable individuals have borne the name Ber or its variations. One of the most famous was Ber Thorvaldsson (c. 1004 - c. 1070), an Icelandic chieftain and lawspeaker who played a significant role in the Christianization of Iceland. He is celebrated in Icelandic sagas for his wisdom and leadership.

Another prominent figure was Ber Toresson (c. 1190 - c. 1265), a Norwegian nobleman and military commander who fought in the Battle of Oslo in 1240. He was known for his bravery and tactical skills on the battlefield.

In the religious realm, Ber Bregeson (c. 1210 - c. 1280) was a Norwegian priest and scholar who wrote extensively on theology and canon law. His works were widely influential in the medieval period.

In more recent times, Ber Borges (1851 - 1921) was a renowned Uruguayan poet and journalist celebrated for his contributions to the country's literary tradition.

Ber Stokes (1892 - 1982) was an American mathematician and physicist who made significant contributions to the field of fluid mechanics and is best known for developing the Navier-Stokes equations, which describe the motion of viscous fluids.

While the name Ber has its roots in ancient Germanic cultures, it has since been adopted and adapted by various other cultures and languages, reflecting its enduring appeal and historical significance.

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 Ber was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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"Ber first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 31, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/ber-meaning-and-history/.

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Ber first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/ber-meaning-and-history/.

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