The name Bernardino originated from the Italian language during the Medieval period. It is a masculine given name derived from the Germanic words "bern" meaning "bear" and "hard" meaning "brave" or "hardy." The name can be traced back to the 5th century AD, when it first appeared as the name of a Frankish leader.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Bernardino can be found in the 12th century, when it was used by Saint Bernardino of Siena (1380-1444), an Italian Franciscan missionary and preacher. He is famous for his efforts in promoting the devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus and was canonized by the Catholic Church in 1450.

Another notable figure with the name Bernardino was Bernardino Luini (c. 1480-1532), an Italian painter from the Renaissance period. He was a prominent artist in the Lombard school and is best known for his frescoes and altarpieces depicting religious themes.

In the 16th century, Bernardino Baldi (1553-1617) was an Italian scholar, historian, and poet. He is renowned for his work "Vita e Fatti di Federigo di Montefeltro Duca d'Urbino" (Life and Deeds of Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino), a biography of the famous Italian condottiero.

Moving forward to the 18th century, Bernardino Ramazzini (1633-1714) was an Italian physician and the founder of occupational medicine. He is celebrated for his groundbreaking work "De Morbis Artificum Diatriba" (Diseases of Workers), which explored the health hazards associated with various professions.

Finally, in the 19th century, Bernardino Rivadavia (1780-1845) was an Argentine statesman and the first President of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata (modern-day Argentina). He played a crucial role in the country's independence and is remembered for his efforts in promoting education and democratic reforms.