Find out how popular the first name Bernita has been for the last 27 years (from 1974 to 2000) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Bernita by gender

Based on the last 27 years of data, Bernita is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2000, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Bernita.

The history of the first name Bernita

The name Bernita is a feminine given name of Spanish origin, derived from the Germanic name Bernhard. The name Bernhard is composed of two elements: "bern" meaning "bear" and "hard" meaning "brave" or "hardy." Bernita, therefore, carries the meaning of "brave as a bear" or "hardy bear."

The name Bernita gained popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly in Spain and other regions influenced by Spanish culture. It was often used as a diminutive form of the name Bernarda, which itself was a feminine variation of Bernhard.

In the early Christian era, there are records of a Saint Bernita, a Spanish nun who lived in the 7th century. She is venerated in some Catholic traditions, particularly in regions of Spain, for her piety and devotion to religious life.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Bernita can be found in a 9th-century Spanish manuscript, which mentions a noblewoman named Bernita de Castilla. However, the name's popularity truly soared during the medieval period, with several notable figures bearing the name.

Bernita de Navarra (1137-1195) was a prominent figure in the Kingdom of Navarre, known for her diplomatic skills and role in negotiating peace treaties. Bernita de Aragon (1201-1252) was a Spanish princess and patroness of the arts, renowned for her support of troubadours and poets.

In the Renaissance era, Bernita Borgia (1498-1518) was a notable Italian noblewoman and member of the infamous Borgia family. She is remembered for her involvement in the political intrigues of the time and her tragic death at a young age.

Another famous bearer of the name was Bernita de la Cueva (1590-1668), a Spanish writer and poet who gained recognition for her works on religious themes and her contributions to the literary culture of the Golden Age of Spanish literature.

As the name Bernita spread beyond Spain, it was adopted and adapted in various cultures. In the 19th century, Bernita Goetz (1830-1901) was a German-American educator and advocate for women's rights, known for her work in establishing schools and promoting education for girls.

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

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

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