First found in Prussia, where the name Bernard came from humble beginnings but gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the emerging mediaeval society. It later became more prominent as many branches of the same house acquired estates in new areas which, combined with their great contributions to society, served to elevate their social status.

Since medieval times, the state of Prussia has played an important part in the history of Germany. The state's military powers were historically very strong, and endured until after the Second World War, when the territory was broken up and divided between the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany. A spurt of migration followed, with some Prussians going elsewhere in Europe and many others crossing the ocean to North America. Most entered the United States through Philadelphia. Some remained there, while more moved on to the states of Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Others traveled to Canada and settled Ontario and the prairie provinces. Research into the Origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Barnard or a variant listed above: William Barnard who arrived in Virginia in 1622; John Bernard who arrived in Watertown, Massachusetts in 1634; Thomas Bernard came to Virginia in 1638.

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