Bernard Elam

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Bernard Elam — Germanic
191K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Bernard Elam is a name that combines Germanic origins. The first name Bernard is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. Bernard (Bernhard) is a French and West Germanic masculine given name. It has West Germanic origin and is also a surname. The name is attested from at least the 9th century. West Germanic Bernhard is composed from the two elements bern "bear" and hard "brave, hardy". Its native Old English cognate was Beornheard, which was replaced or merged with the French form Bernard that was brought to England after the Norman Conquest. The name Bernhard was notably popular among Old Frisian speakers. Its wider use was popularized due to Saint Bernhard of Clairvaux (canonized in 1174). The surname Elam: Caroline Elam (1945−), British art historian Charles Wheaton Elam (1866–1917), Louisiana politician Joseph Barton Elam (1821–1885), U.S. representative from Louisiana's 4th congressional district Jack Elam (1918–2003), American actor James Elam (1918–1995), American physician Jason Elam (born 1970), American football player Kaiir Elam (born 2001), American football player Katrina Elam (born 1983), American country music singer Guru (rapper), stage name of Keith Elam (1961–2010), American rapper, one half of the duo Gang Starr Lee Elam (born 1976), English footballer Norah Elam (1878–1961), Iri. Bernard is a distinctive first name, carried by approximately 191K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Bernard reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Bernard

Germanic

Bernard (Bernhard) is a French and West Germanic masculine given name. It has West Germanic origin and is also a surname. The name is attested from at least the 9th century. West Germanic Bernhard is composed from the two elements bern "bear" and hard "brave, hardy". Its native Old English cognate was Beornheard, which was replaced or merged with the French form Bernard that was brought to England after the Norman Conquest. The name Bernhard was notably popular among Old Frisian speakers. Its wider use was popularized due to Saint Bernhard of Clairvaux (canonized in 1174).

Surname: Elam

English

Caroline Elam (1945−), British art historian Charles Wheaton Elam (1866–1917), Louisiana politician Joseph Barton Elam (1821–1885), U.S. representative from Louisiana's 4th congressional district Jack Elam (1918–2003), American actor James Elam (1918–1995), American physician Jason Elam (born 1970), American football player Kaiir Elam (born 2001), American football player Katrina Elam (born 1983), American country music singer Guru (rapper), stage name of Keith Elam (1961–2010), American rapper, one half of the duo Gang Starr Lee Elam (born 1976), English footballer Norah Elam (1878–1961), Iri.

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Geographic Distribution

The first name Bernard is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 51%
United Kingdom 27%
Australia 12%
Canada 9%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Bernard by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Bernard Elam:

3
Expression Number

Creativity and self-expression. Associated with artistic flair, optimism and sociability — a natural communicator.

3
Soul Urge Number

Creativity and self-expression. Associated with artistic flair, optimism and sociability — a natural communicator.

9
Personality Number

Compassion and humanitarianism. A generous, idealistic nature with a sincere desire to improve the world.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Bernard?
The first name Bernard originates from Germanic. Bernard (Bernhard) is a French and West Germanic masculine given name. It has West Germanic origin and is also a surname. The name is attested from at least the 9th century. West Germanic Bernhard is composed from the two elements bern "bear" and hard "brave, hardy". Its native Old English cognate was Beornheard, which was replaced or merged with the French form Bernard that was brought to England after the Norman Conquest. The name Bernhard was notably popular among Old Frisian speakers. Its wider use was popularized due to Saint Bernhard of Clairvaux (canonized in 1174).
When was Bernard most popular?
The name Bernard reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Elam?
The surname Elam originates from English. Caroline Elam (1945−), British art historian Charles Wheaton Elam (1866–1917), Louisiana politician Joseph Barton Elam (1821–1885), U.S. representative from Louisiana's 4th congressional district Jack Elam (1918–2003), American actor James Elam (1918–1995), American physician Jason Elam (born 1970), American football player Kaiir Elam (born 2001), American football player Katrina Elam (born 1983), American country music singer Guru (rapper), stage name of Keith Elam (1961–2010), American rapper, one half of the duo Gang Starr Lee Elam (born 1976), English footballer Norah Elam (1878–1961), Iri.
What are the origins of the name Bernard Elam?
The name Bernard Elam combines two different traditions: the first name Bernard has Germanic roots, while the surname Elam originates from English.
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