Bernard vs Theodore

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
Theodore Rank #4

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 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

Theodore ___

  • Theodore James
  • Theodore William
  • Theodore Alexander
  • Theodore John
  • Theodore Henry
  • Theodore Arthur

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Bernard

Alfred Edmund Dorothy Mildred Gerald

If you choose Theodore

Olivia Charlotte Amelia Eleanor Oliver

Which Name Fits Your Family?

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1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bernard or Theodore more popular?

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 compared to Bernard at #1320 in the United States.

What do Bernard and Theodore mean?

Bernard means "brave bear, strong as a bear" (Germanic origin). Theodore means "divine gift" (Greek origin).

Are Bernard and Theodore boy or girl names?

Bernard is primarily a boy name. Theodore is primarily a boy name.

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← Full profile: Bernard ← Full profile: Theodore Browse all baby names