Berna is a unique and distinctive female given name of Swiss origin. It is derived from the Latin word "bern", which means bear. This name has been traditionally used in Switzerland, particularly in the canton of Bern, where it is believed to have been first recorded in the early Middle Ages.
The name Berna is often associated with strength, power, and courage, as the bear is a symbol of these qualities. In heraldry, the bear is also a prominent figure, representing valor and bravery. However, it's important to note that the name Berna itself does not have an explicit meaning or symbolism beyond its connection to the bear.
Throughout history, there are few notable figures with the name Berna. One example is Berna de Montfort (also known as Bertha), a noblewoman from the 12th century who played a significant role in the political landscape of Burgundy. However, it's not clear whether her given name was indeed Berna or if it was simply an alternate spelling or translation of her name.
Today, Berna remains relatively uncommon outside of Switzerland, but it is still used and loved by families who appreciate its unique sound and Swiss heritage. As a given name, Berna continues to embody the spirit of strength and courage associated with its ursine namesake, while also being a distinctive choice for parents seeking an unusual yet meaningful name for their child.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Berna experienced varied popularity over time in the United States from 1895 to 1991.
In the early years, from 1895 to 1920, the number of births with the name Berna fluctuated between 5 and 27 per year. The highest point during this period was in 1920, with 27 births. This suggests that while it wasn't a highly popular name, it did have some level of use during this time.
From 1921 to 1939, the number of births with the name Berna remained relatively consistent, ranging between 26 and 48 per year. The highest point was reached in 1927 and 1929, with 44 and 48 births respectively. This shows a steady level of popularity for the name during these two decades.
However, from 1940 onwards, there was a significant decline in the number of births registered with the name Berna. The highest number of births after this point was 32 in 1950, but it then dropped below 30 every year until 1967. From 1968 to 1991, the number of births with the name Berna remained low, ranging between 5 and 11 per year.
Overall, while the name Berna experienced some popularity in the early to mid-20th century in the United States, it became increasingly less common over time. By the end of the period covered by these statistics (1991), it was a rarity compared to its peak years. Despite this decline, it's worth noting that even at its lowest points, there were still some births registered with the name Berna each year, indicating that it continued to be chosen occasionally.
In total, over the course of these 97 years, there were 1466 births registered with the name Berna in the United States. This gives us an average of approximately 15 births per year for the name during this period.