Girl · 44th of 9,107
Bernice
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
185,497
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1921
Peak Popularity Year
6,309
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Bernice stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Bernice is a name of Greek origin meaning 'bearer of victory', with historical roots tracing back to the name Berenikē. It has evolved through various languages and forms, maintaining a royal and elegant connotation. The name is mentioned in the Bible, adding to its significance. Today, it is seen as a vintage choice, associated with notable figures in history.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/bərˈniːs/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Bernice derives from the Greek name 'Berenikē', which means 'bearer of victory'. It was historically associated with several queens of Egypt.
Meaning
bearer of victory
Language Evolution
Berenikē (Ancient Greek), Bernice (Latin), Bernice (Old French), Bernice (Modern English)
Biblical Background
In the New Testament, Bernice is mentioned as the daughter of King Herod Agrippa I, giving the name a historical and royal connotation.
Historical Usage
The name Bernice gained popularity in the Hellenistic period and continued to be used in various forms throughout the centuries, particularly in Christian contexts due to its biblical reference.
Variants & Derivatives
Berenice, Bernice, Berenika, Berny
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Bernice is viewed as a vintage name that carries a sense of elegance and historical significance, though it is less commonly used than in past centuries.
Famous People
Bernice King, civil rights leader, Bernice Johnson Reagon, activist and musician
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 6,309 peak births in 1921
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in North Dakota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 15 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
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
Full popularity table across American generations 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 615th of 7545 | 1,688 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 822nd of 6773 | 1,075 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1717th of 7552 | 395 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3756th of 10718 | 121 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 12331st of 16616 | 17 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 44th of 9107 | 96,002 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 99th of 9204 | 50,406 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 260th of 12526 | 20,603 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 569th of 19264 | 5,000 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1178th of 27321 | 2,227 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 2151st of 35406 | 1,377 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3059th of 30306 | 646 |