"bringer of victory"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Berenice
Does Berenice flow with your last name?
Her hair became a constellation — a name for the ages
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Meaning & Origin
"victory bearer"
Origin: Ancient Greek Pherenike
Language: Greek
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The Story of Berenice
Berenice is the Latinized form of the ancient Greek Φερενίκη (Pherenike), a compound of 'phero' (to bring) and 'nike' (victory), meaning 'bringer of victory.' The name was introduced into the Macedonian royal house by Berenice I (c. 340-268 BCE), mother of Ptolemy II, and became extremely fashionable among the Ptolemaic dynasty that ruled Egypt after Alexander the Great. Several Ptolemaic queens bore the name, and it spread throughout the Hellenistic world.
Berenice is experiencing a revival as parents rediscover ancient classical names with genuine historical depth. Its appearance in Racine's tragedy Bérénice (1670) kept it alive in French culture, and it is currently fashionable in Italy and Spain as a distinctive alternative to common names.
The Ptolemaic queen Berenice II was so beloved that her husband Ptolemy III vowed to sacrifice her hair if he returned safely from war. When it disappeared from the temple, the court astronomer Conon of Samos declared it had become the constellation Coma Berenices — 'Berenice's Hair' — still visible in the night sky today.
Historical Record
Berenice first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 7,327 babies have been named Berenice in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Berenice is past its peak , currently ranked #3,751 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The constellation Coma Berenices (Berenice's Hair) is named after Queen Berenice II of Egypt, whose hair was supposedly transformed into stars
- Racine's tragedy Bérénice (1670), depicting the love between the Roman Emperor Titus and Queen Berenice, is considered one of the masterpieces of French classical theater
Berenice in Other Languages
Greek
Φερενίκη (Pherenike)
French
Bérénice
German
Berenice
Italian
Berenice
Spanish
Berenice
Portuguese
Berenice
Popularity Over Time
#3,751
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1995
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Berenice
B
Bérénice Bejo
Actor
1976
Argentine-French actress who won the César Award for Best Actress for The Artist (2011)
B
Berenice II of Egypt
Royalty
267
Queen of Ptolemaic Egypt whose hair was dedicated to Aphrodite for her husband's safe return from war — immortalized as ...
Queen of Ptolemaic Egypt whose hair was dedicated to Aphrodite for her husband's safe return from war — immortalized as the constellation Coma Berenices
B
Berenice Fictional
Other
Protagonist of Jean Racine's 1670 tragedy Bérénice, one of the most celebrated plays in French classical theater, depict...
Protagonist of Jean Racine's 1670 tragedy Bérénice, one of the most celebrated plays in French classical theater, depicting the heartbreaking separation of lovers for reasons of state
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Compare Berenice with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #3,751
- Total SSA Count
- 40
- Cultural Origins
- Italian Spanish French Greek English
- Pronunciation
- Hard
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Beri
Reni
Niche
Bernie
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, French heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Berenice
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Berenice is also used as a boy name, ranked #35278.
View Berenice as a boy name →Similar Names
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Old English/Germanic origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Berenice
What does the name Berenice mean?
"bringer of victory" (from Greek). "victory bearer" (from Ancient Greek Pherenike). Berenice is the Latinized form of the ancient Greek Φερενίκη (Pherenike), a compound of 'phero' (to bring) and 'nike' (victory), meaning 'bringer of victory.' The name was introduced into the Macedonian royal house by Berenice I (c. 340-268 BCE), mother of Ptolemy II, and became extremely fashionable among the Ptolemaic dynasty that ruled Egypt after Alexander the Great. Several Ptolemaic queens bore the name, and it spread throughout the Hellenistic world.
What is the origin of the name Berenice?
Berenice has Greek, Ancient Greek Pherenike, Italian, Spanish, French, and English origins. In Greek, it means "bringer of victory". In Ancient Greek Pherenike, it means "victory bearer".
Is Berenice a boy or girl name?
Berenice is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #3751. As a boy name, it is ranked #35278. Berenice is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Berenice?
Berenice is currently ranked #3751 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Berenice?
Common nicknames for Berenice include Beri, Reni, Niche, and Bernie.
What are good middle names for Berenice?
Popular middle name pairings include Berenice Rose, Berenice Louise, Berenice Claire, Berenice Violet, Berenice Grace, Berenice Helena, and Berenice Margot.
What are good sibling names for Berenice?
Names that pair well with Berenice as siblings include Ptolemy, Cleopatra, Celestine, Cornelia, Alaric, Cressida, and Zenobia.
How many syllables does Berenice have?
Berenice has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Berenice a common or rare name?
Berenice is an uncommon name, ranked #3751 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Berenice
Berenice is a girl name with Italian, Spanish, French, Greek, and English origins . The name means "bringer of victory" in Greek .
Is Berenice a boy or girl name? Berenice is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #3,751 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #35,278. Berenice is more commonly used as a girl name.
Berenice is currently ranked #3,751 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Berenice has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Berenice include Beri, Reni, Niche, and Bernie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis