Bernard vs Cecil

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Bernard

Boy #1,320 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"brave bear, strong as a bear"

Origin: Germanic

Cultural Roots

English French German European

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,320
Total SSA Count
147
Syllables
2
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Bernie, Bern, Barney

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Bernard →

Popularity Comparison

Bernard Rank #1,320
Cecil Rank #1,487

Bernard is more popular, ranked #1320 vs #1487 for Cecil.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Bernard ___

  • Bernard James
  • Bernard John
  • Bernard Francis
  • Bernard Louis
  • Bernard Thomas
  • Bernard Michael

Cecil ___

  • Cecil James
  • Cecil William
  • Cecil Edward
  • Cecil Thomas
  • Cecil Arthur
  • Cecil Henry

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Bernard

Alfred Edmund Dorothy Mildred Gerald

If you choose Cecil

Reginald Clarence Beatrice Millicent Florence

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bernard or Cecil more popular?

Bernard is more popular, ranked #1320 compared to Cecil at #1487 in the United States.

What do Bernard and Cecil mean?

Bernard means "brave bear, strong as a bear" (Germanic origin). Cecil means "blind" (Latin origin).

Are Bernard and Cecil boy or girl names?

Bernard is primarily a boy name. Cecil is primarily a boy name.

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