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The prestigious family surname Bernhard 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 Bernhard 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 Bernhard family

The surname Bernhard was first found in Brandenburg, Mecklenburg, and throughout the lands that would later form the Prussian Empire, where the name became noted for its many branches, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the regions. In their later history the name became a power unto themselves and was elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into this most influential family. In its mediaeval context, the literal meaning of the name was "baerenkuehn," that is, "bear-brave." The name began its rise to prominence as one of the most popular first names of northern Germany in the Middle Ages before becoming firmly grounded as a surname.

Early History of the Bernhard family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bernhard research. Another 219 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1604, 1612, 1623, 1639, 1692, 1728, 1760, 1762, 1763, 1769, 1787, 1810, 1818 and 1820 are included under the topic Early Bernhard History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bernhard Spelling Variations

One can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Bernhard include Bernhard, Bernhardi (Alemannic), Bernhardy (Latin genetive form found along Rhine and Danube rivers), Bernardt, Bernhardt, Bernehard, Bernehardt and many more.

Early Notables of the Bernhard family

Notable figures of the time with the name Bernhard were

• Duke Bernhard of Saxen-Weimar (1604-1639), who was a celebrated general in the Thirty Years' War. He was born in 1604 in Weimar as the eleventh son of John, duke of Saxen-Weimar. At the outbreak of th...
• Christoph Bernhard, capellmeister at Dresden; son of a poor sailor; born at Dantzic, 1612. He was so poor as to sing from door to door to keep himself from starving. By a Dr. Strauch he was placed in...
• Wilhelm Christoph Bernhard, was a remarkable as a first-rate player of the works of J. S. Bach, both for organ and piano. Born at Saalfeld about 1760; died at Moscow at the early age of twenty-seven i...
• Augustus Ferdinand Bernhardi (1769-1820) was a noted writer of the Romantic period

Bernhard Ranking

In the United States, the name Bernhard is the 11,744^th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1 However, in France, the name Bernhard is ranked the 2,219^th most popular surname with an estimated 2,878 people with that name. 2

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Bernhard migration to the United States +

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Bernhard migration to Canada +

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Contemporary Notables of the name Bernhard (post 1700) +

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Historic Events for the Bernhard family +

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