Find out how popular the first name Berniece has been for the last 40 years (from 1974 to 2013) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Berniece by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Berniece is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2013, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Berniece.

The history of the first name Berniece

The name Berniece has its origins in the Germanic language, stemming from the root words "bern" meaning "bear" and "ric" meaning "power" or "ruler." It is believed to have emerged as a feminine form of the masculine name Bernard during the Middle Ages.

In its early days, the name Berniece was primarily used in regions with Germanic cultural influences, such as parts of modern-day Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Variations in spelling included Bernyce, Bernice, and Berniz.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Berniece can be found in a 12th-century chronicle from the Benedictine monastery of St. Gall in Switzerland, which mentioned a noblewoman named Berniece von Salm.

During the Middle Ages, the name Berniece gained some popularity among the nobility and aristocracy of Europe. A notable historical figure bearing this name was Berniece of Navarre (1252-1315), the wife of Henry I, King of Navarre.

As the name spread and evolved, it found its way into various literary works and religious texts. In the 16th century, the English playwright William Shakespeare included a character named Berniece in his play "All's Well That Ends Well."

Over the centuries, several notable women have carried the name Berniece. These include Berniece Farmer Childhood (1890-1986), an American journalist and advocate for women's rights, and Berniece Baker Miracle (1909-1996), a pioneering American aviator and flight instructor.

Another prominent figure was Berniece Longfield (1900-1970), an American actress and vaudeville performer who appeared in numerous Broadway productions and Hollywood films in the early 20th century.

In the realm of literature, Berniece Abbott (1898-1991) was an American photographer and writer known for her iconic portraits and documentation of 1930s New York City.

Berniece Prysock (1928-2021), an American jazz singer and actress, also left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry, performing with renowned musicians and appearing in several films and television shows.

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

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

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