“Bernardo” is a male name of Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian origin. It is derived from the Germanic name “Bernhard”, which is composed of the elements “bern” meaning “bear” and “hard” meaning “strong” or “brave”.
In history, several notable figures have borne the name Bernardo. These include Saint Bernardo of Clairvaux, a 12th-century French abbot and theologian who founded the Cistercian order of monks, and Bernardo O’Higgins, a Chilean independence leader who served as the first head of state of Chile.
In modern times, the name Bernardo is still popular in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, and it may also appeal to parents who are looking for a name that is distinctive and has a strong, classic sound. It can also be shortened to the more familiar nickname “Bernie”.