Bernadette
How to say it: bur-nuh-DET · /ˌbɜːrnəˈdɛt/
Feminine of Bernard; from Old High German bern (bear) + hart (brave). Popularized by Saint Bernadette of Lourdes.
Bernadette was the 909th most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 241 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1960s, its births are up about 54% in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #802 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #909 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 241 |
| Share of births | 1 in 13,756 |
| Peak decade | 1960s |
| Change over 10 years | +54% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #802 |
| In France, 2025 | #2,541 among girls’ names, 5 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
After peaking in the 1960s, Bernadette settled into steady but quieter use. It rests far below that high now, though growth looks likely ahead.
What goes with it
Crisp consonants give Bernadette a stately ring with a saintly theme. Bernie makes a natural short form, while Beatrice shares its style.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Bernadette is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in Dutch, English, French, German.
In France: #2,541 for girls in 2025.
Famous people named Bernadette
- Bernadette Soubirous (1844–1879)French saint
- Bernadette Peters (born 1948)American actress and singer
- Bernadette Meehan (born 1975)Wikimedia CEO and American diplomat
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
Keep exploring
About as popular as Bernadette
In the same lists
Find names you'll both love, starting with Bernadette
The one-minute style quiz.