Barnard
BoyOld English
Barnard is a boy name of Old English origin meaning "Tough as a bear".
About this name
Gender
Boy
Language
Old English
Popularity
83 / 100
Syllables
2
Length
7 letters
Meaning
Tough as a bear
Etymology
Barnard is a surname of Old English origin, derived from the Anglo-Saxon given name "Beornheard". It is composed of two elements: "Beorn," meaning "young warrior" or "bear," and "heard," meaning "hardy," "brave," or "strong." In some cases, Barnard is a version of the surname Bernard, which is a French and West Germanic masculine given name and surname. The surname means as tough as a bear, Bar(Bear)+nard/hard(hardy/tough)
Famous People Named Barnard
- Barnard Elliott Bee — United States Army officer and Confederate States Army general during the American Civil War (1824-1861)
Frequently Asked Questions About Barnard
What does the name Barnard mean?
Barnard means "Tough as a bear", and is of Old English origin.
What is the origin of the name Barnard?
Barnard originates from Old English.
Is Barnard a boy or girl name?
Barnard is typically used as a boy name.
Are there famous people named Barnard?
Yes — notable people named Barnard include Barnard Elliott Bee (United States Army officer and Confederate States Army general during the American Civil War, 1824-1861).
Last updated: June 2026