Bernards History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The prestigious family surname Bernards originated in the territory that eventually became the German state of Prussia. In the 19th century, this state was virtually unrivalled militarily, and its rapid industrial growth made it a contender for economic superiority in Europe as well. However, in the medieval era, Prussia was fragmented and inhabited by numerous barbarian tribes, who fought amongst themselves for control of the land. The borders of the barbarian kingdoms, which were established after the fall of the Roman Empire, changed repeatedly. The region that came to be known as Prussia was roughly divided between the territories of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia and East Prussia. The Bernards family emerged in Brandenburg-Prussia, which is essentially the birthplace of modern Germany. By the 19th century, Brandenburg-Prussia had incorporated East Prussia, West Prussia and many other German territories. Moreover, in the late 19th century, it led the German states in the unification of Germany.

Early Origins of the Bernards family

The surname Bernards was 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.

Early History of the Bernards family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bernards research. Another 126 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1628, 1655, 1692, 1744, 1794, 1840, 1871 and 1916 are included under the topic Early Bernards History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bernards Spelling Variations

Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Bernards include Bernard, Bernardt, Bernarde, Bernards, Bernart, Bernarts, Bernnardt, Barnard, Baernard, Barnardt, Baernardt, Barnarde, Baernarde, Barnards, Baernards, Barnart, Baernart, Barnarts, Baernarts, Barnnardt and many more.

Early Notables of the Bernards family

Notable figures of the time with the name Bernards were Christoph Bernhard (1628-1692), Pomeranian singer and assistant kapellmeister in Dresden in 1655; Joseph Bernard, who received his barony in 1744; Matvey Ivanovich Bernard (1794-1871), Russian...
Another 34 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bernards Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bernards migration to the United States +

The state of Prussia was a great influence on the shape of modern Germany. After the Second World War, Prussia's land was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany and the state was abolished. Some Prussians remained in those countries after the war, while many others migrated to North America in search of a new start. Philadelphia was their primary point of entry to the United States, after which many of them moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. A large number of Prussians also migrated to Ontario and the prairie provinces as United Empire Loyalists. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Bernardss to arrive in North America, and among them were:

Bernards Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Johann Bernards, aged 21, who landed in America from Neustads, Germany, in 1911
Maria Bernards, aged 27, who immigrated to the United States from Achen, Germany, in 1920