Show ContentsBernsten History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Bernsten

What does the name Bernsten mean?

The name Bernsten has a literal meaning of "amber," if only the German word that is this surname's root is considered. In this case, the name Bernsten was formed from the Old German words 'aibbernen' and 'aibsten', which mean 'to burn' and 'stone.' Although amber is a fossilized pine resin, this name referred to the way that amber was mistakenly thought to have been created. Some people bearing this name, then, would have dealt with or traded amber. Another possibility is that one of the original bearers of this name may have been a brick maker as the two main components of this name mean burnt stone. This surname is also a kinnui, or secular surname, that is derived from Ber, an abbreviation of Berko or Berish. The bear on the family coat of arms eludes to this latter possible origin.

Bernsten Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Bernstein, Bernshtein, Berenshtein, Bernstejn, Berensztejn, Bornstein, Beronstein, Borenshtein, Borenshtain, Borenstain, Borensztein, Burzin, Berenstein and many more.


Bernsten migration to Canada +

Bernsten Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century
  • Mr. Kaare Bernsten, Norwegian settler who sailed aboard the ship "Stavangerfjord" arriving in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada in 1951


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