Bernyce is a unique and distinctive female given name of African origin. It is derived from the West African name "Nwanyibu", which means "Mother is beautiful" in Igbo, one of the major languages spoken in Nigeria.
The name Bernyce is believed to have been coined by American poet and writer Langston Hughes, who used it as a character's name in his play "Mule Bone Blues". Despite its African roots, Bernyce has not traditionally been a popular name in Africa, but rather gained popularity in the United States after Hughes' work was published.
The name Bernyce is often associated with strength, beauty, and uniqueness. It is a name that stands out and commands attention, much like its African origins suggest. While it may not be a widely known or commonly used name, those who bear the name Bernyce carry a powerful and meaningful heritage with them.
In terms of its usage in popular culture, Bernyce has appeared as a character's name in various movies and TV shows, including "The Bernie Mac Show" and "Orange is the New Black". However, it remains relatively unknown compared to other African-derived names like Zola or Nia. Nevertheless, for those who are drawn to its unique sound and powerful meaning, Bernyce is a name that holds great significance and beauty.
The name Bernyce was not extremely popular throughout the early to mid-20th century in the United States, with the number of babies named Bernyce varying annually between zero and a maximum of 32 births in 1924. The years with the highest number of babies named Bernyce were during World War I, with peaks in 1915 (25 births) and 1916 (26 births). However, even at its peak, the name was not exceptionally common. After 1932, there were no more recorded births with the name Bernyce until 1943, when six babies were named Bernyce. Overall, between 1900 and 1943, there were a total of 460 babies named Bernyce in the United States.