The Baby Name Wizard

Reader Contributions

Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Bernadette!

Comments and insights on the name Bernadette: | Edit

This name is fabulous!

Personal experiences with the name Bernadette: | Edit

I'm a Bernadette and I've always liked the name. It's nice not to share a name with anyone at your school. I always felt unique. Unfortunately, people slaughter the spelling on a regular basis. It's often written, "Burnadebt" or, my favorite, "Burnadeath" I dislike that it get's shortened to "Bernie" a name that I've always disliked. In fact, I don't go by a nickname, just Bernadette.

*From another Bernedette: I like my name too (now). I don't spell it the traditional way either, all "E's" no "A" which makes for fun when trying to spell check. I go by the nickname Bernie or Bebe. I didn't like my name growing up, it took forever to write out especially combined with my 10 letter last name! I've been often asked if "Bernie" was a boys name, but then I reply, "how many boys do you know named Stacy or Tracy". I'm obviously not a boy!

Nicknames for Bernadette: | Edit

Be, Bebe, Bennie, Bern,Bernie, Berry, Bette,Bdette, Bettie, Betty, Dett, Dette, Detta, Etta, Bunny
Another spelling for Bernadette: Bernedette

Meanings and history of the name Bernadette: | Edit

Diminutive of Bernarde, the French feminine form of the male name Bernard. The name means "BRAVE AS A BEAR".

Famous real-life people named Bernadette: | Edit

St. Bernadette of Lourdes, who had visions of the Blessed Mother.
Bernadette Devlin, Irish political activist
Bernadette Peters, American actress
Bernadette Chirac, wife of French president Jacques Chirac
Bernadette Protti, famous for killing her high school classmate

Bernadette in song, story & screen: | Edit

"Bernadette" was a raucous-punk track by The Kinks on their 1983 album "State of Confusion"
"Bernadette" was a 1967 hit for The Four Tops
"Bernadette" is a two-step that is a staple in Cajun and Creole/Zydeco band repertoires
Bernadette, character in the book 'So B. It'