Bernard vs Terry

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
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Terry

Boy #1,187 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"power of the tribe"

Origin: Germanic

Cultural Roots

English American Irish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,187
Total SSA Count
174
Syllables
2
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Ter

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Terry →

Popularity Comparison

Bernard Rank #1,320
Terry Rank #1,187

Terry is more popular, ranked #1187 vs #1320 for Bernard.

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

Terry ___

  • Terry James
  • Terry Michael
  • Terry Lee
  • Terry Wayne
  • Terry Allen
  • Terry Ray

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Bernard

Alfred Edmund Dorothy Mildred Gerald

If you choose Terry

Jerry Bobby Jimmy Carrie Debbie

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 Terry more popular?

Terry is more popular, ranked #1187 compared to Bernard at #1320 in the United States.

What do Bernard and Terry mean?

Bernard means "brave bear, strong as a bear" (Germanic origin). Terry means "power of the tribe" (Germanic origin).

Are Bernard and Terry boy or girl names?

Bernard is primarily a boy name. Terry is primarily a boy name.

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