Bernadette is a name of French origin, derived from the Occitan name Bernardeta. It is composed of two elements: "bernard" which means "brave bear", and the diminutive suffix "-ette". Therefore, Bernadette can be translated as "little brave bear".
The name Bernadette has been popular for centuries, with its earliest known use dating back to the 12th century in France. It was traditionally given to girls born into families where there was already a male member named Bernard. This naming pattern followed the medieval French custom of using diminutive forms of names to distinguish between siblings of different genders.
One notable figure who contributed to the popularity of the name Bernadette is Saint Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879), a young French girl who claimed to have witnessed apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, France. After her visions, she became widely known and revered, and many parents began choosing the name Bernadette for their daughters in honor of the saint.
Today, Bernadette remains a charming and distinctive name with deep historical roots. It is often associated with its French heritage and can evoke feelings of elegance and sophistication. Despite being less common than some other names, Bernadette has maintained a steady presence throughout history, serving as a testament to its enduring appeal.
The name Bernadette has been a consistently popular choice among parents in the United States over the past century, with an average of about six babies being named Bernadette each year between 1917 and 2016.
In the early years recorded, from 1917 to 1959, there was some fluctuation in the number of births, ranging from five to seven per year. However, starting in 1960, there was a notable increase in popularity, with eight babies named Bernadette born that year. This trend continued into the early 1970s, with peaks of nine births in both 1969 and 1970.
After this period of peak popularity, the number of babies named Bernadette began to decline, although it remained relatively stable. Between 1974 and 2016, there were typically five or six births per year, with a few years seeing seven births.
Overall, since 1917, there have been a total of 173 babies named Bernadette born in the United States. This shows that while the name may not have reached the heights of popularity enjoyed by some other names, it has consistently held its own as a beloved and enduring choice for parents.