The name Bernard originates from the Germanic language and is derived from the elements "bern" meaning "bear" and "hard" meaning "brave" or "hardy". It was a popular name among the Franks and other Germanic tribes during the Middle Ages.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Bernard dates back to the 6th century, when it was borne by Bernard of Menthon, a Catholic saint and the founder of the hospices in the Alps that bear his name. He lived from around 923 to 1008 AD.

Another notable historical figure with the name was Bernard of Clairvaux, a French abbot and a major leader in the revitalization of Benedictine monasticism in the 12th century. He was born in 1090 and died in 1153.

In the 13th century, Bernard de Ventadour, a renowned troubadour and poet from the region of Limousin in France, gained fame for his lyrical love songs and satires. He lived from around 1145 to 1195.

During the Renaissance period, Bernard Palissy, a French potter and decorator, became renowned for his innovative glazed ceramics and his contributions to the development of the scientific method. He was born in 1510 and died in 1590.

In the 17th century, Bernard de Fontenelle, a French author and philosopher, made significant contributions to the popularization of science and the development of literary criticism. He lived from 1657 to 1757.

Other notable historical figures with the name Bernard include Bernard of Saxe-Weimar, a German military leader during the Thirty Years' War (1604-1639), and Bernard Martial, a French painter and engraver from the 17th century (1641-1705).