Bear Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis

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Summary

The name Bear has its roots in Old English, derived from 'bera', meaning strength or bravery. It has evolved through several historical forms in the Germanic and Indo-European languages. The name is associated with traits of courage and loyalty, and while it has no biblical relevance, it has gained popularity in modern times as a unique name choice. Notable individuals with this name include adventurer Bear Grylls and composer Bear McCreary.

The name Bear is most popular in Colorado, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Bear has been too falling for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, too falling for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Bear' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 10102nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 14347th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3744th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 971st out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Bear' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.

Etymology & Cultural Background of "Bear"

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Pronunciation

/bɛr/

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Origin

Old English

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Etymology

The name 'Bear' originates from the Old English word 'bera', which means 'bear', referring both to the animal and as a term of endearment or strength.

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Meaning

strength, bravery

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Language Evolution

Old English: bera, Proto-Germanic: *berō, Proto-Indo-European: *bher-

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Historical Usage

The name gained popularity in English-speaking countries, particularly in the 20th century, as a symbol of strength and a unique choice for personal naming.

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Variants & Derivatives

Bea, Beara

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Modern Popularity & Image

Currently, the name Bear is perceived as unique and strong, often associated with courage and loyalty.

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Famous People

Bear Grylls - British adventurer and television presenter, Bear McCreary - American composer

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Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Bear"

Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Yearly Ranking History of "Bear"

"Bear" Popularity Across American Generations

Generation Gender Rank Total Names
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Boy 10102nd of 10718 6
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Boy 14347th of 16616 10
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Boy 3744th of 24088 396
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) Boy 971st of 23106 2,654

Regional Popularity of "Bear" by Generation for Male Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
- - - -
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
- - - -
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
- - - -
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
- - - -
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
- - - -
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
100.00%
3292nd/3292
- 100.00%
3300th/3300
100.00%
2593rd/2593
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
100.00%
1020th/1020
100.00%
1454th/1454
100.00%
1001st/1001
100.00%
791st/791

Regional Popularity of "Bear" by Generation for Female Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
- - - -
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
- - - -
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
- - - -
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
- - - -
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
- - - -
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
- - - -
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
- - - -

State-by-State Popularity of "Bear"

This map shows the relative popularity of "Bear" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.