Bernhardt

Bernhardt is a surname of German origin, a form of the given name Bernhard. It is generally understood to derive from elements meaning bear and brave or hardy. The spelling Bernhardt is one of several variants, with related forms including Bernhard and Bernhart, and the name has spread to various countries through migration and cultural exchange. In the United States and other regions, the surname appears across different communities and professions.

Notable individuals with the surname include the French stage actress Sarah Bernhardt (1844–1923), one of the most celebrated performers of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Her international renown helped popularize the name in the arts and solidified its association with the performing world.

In the realm of commerce, Bernhardt Furniture Company is an American furniture manufacturer based in North Carolina. The company uses the Bernhardt name for its lines of hardwood and upholstered furnishings, reflecting the broader adoption of the surname in brand identities.

Variants and related surnames, such as Bernhards and Bernhart, appear in historical records and genealogical sources, often indicating familial lines dating back to German-speaking regions. The name continues to be encountered in contemporary lists of surnames across North America and Europe.