Bernhard

Bernhard is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. It is formed from elements meaning “bear” and “brave, hardy,” and has long been used in German-speaking regions. The name has several cognates and spellings, including Bernard in English and French, Bernhard in Dutch and German, and Bernhardus in Latin.

As a given name, Bernhard has been borne by numerous notable individuals. The mathematician Bernhard Riemann (1826–1866) helped develop analysis and differential geometry. The golfer Bernhard Langer (born 1957) is a multiple major champion. The statesman Bernhard von Bülow (1849–1929) served as German chancellor from 1900 to 1909. The writer Bernhard Schlink (born 1944) is known for works such as The Reader.

Beyond given name usage, Bernhard is also found as a surname, though it is less common. It is used in German-speaking countries and elsewhere, often reflecting family heritage or immigration. Surnames derived from the given name appear in various European contexts and can be found in modern populations through historical movement and cultural exchange.

Variants and related names include Bernard; in some languages the form Bernhard is the standard version, with derivatives such as Bernhardt or Bernhardsen appearing in surnames. The name is linked to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, a prominent medieval religious figure, reflecting the long historical presence of the form across Christian Europe.