Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Barnard

      Origin 
      English

      Meaning 
      Brave bear

      Variations 
      Barnardo, Bernard, Bernardo

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The name Barnard has its origins in English and derives from the Old Germanic elements bern meaning bear and hard meaning brave or strong. This combination of meanings gives the name Barnard a significant connotation, evoking the image of a fearless and powerful bear. The name has a long-standing history and has played a role in various aspects of society throughout the centuries.

      In terms of historical usage, the name Barnard can be found in records dating back to medieval times. It was commonly used as a given name among the English nobility and aristocracy, reflecting the qualities associated with bravery and strength that the name encapsulates. In this context, it symbolized a family's lineage and their noble traits. Over time, the name was also adopted as a name to denote a family's heritage, ensuring its prominence in historical documents, such as land records and legal deeds.

      In modern-day usage, the name Barnard continues to be prevalent, although it may not be as common as some other English names. Families of English descent, particularly those with an interest in genealogy and preserving their heritage, may still choose to give their children the name Barnard as a way to honor their family's history and traditions. Additionally, the name may also be used as a name, often passed down through generations, ensuring its continuity and presence in the present day.
      Based on our records...
      This is the most common surname, spouse name and child name associated with Barnard.
      Smith

      is the most common surname for Barnard.

      Mary

      is the most common spouse name for Barnard.

      John

      is the most common child name for Barnard.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry
      did_you_know_bar
      Based on our records...
      Did you know?
      1830 is when there were the most people born with the first name Barnard.

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.