Bernadette?

[squeak2392]

I used to think this name was awful and old-fashioned, but with the likes of Mabel etc popular now (and yes, admittedly the influence of a certain TV show) I actually kinda like it.
I think the nn Bernie is super cute too :)
(Although perhaps there would be issues with "Don't touch the oven, Bernie! - It's burnies!" :p )

WDYT? :)

hell no. all the Bernadette's here get called Bessy, its yuk.

I went to school with a Bernadette (sometimes known as Bernie), and even though she was the only Bernadette I know of any age I never quite got used to it as a younger persons name - it never really sort of fitted calling someone Bernadette or Bernie in high school. It's not just that it's an older persons name (cause they are back in fashion anyway), but its an older NUN'S name (nuns names are NOT in fashion, Mabel/Esme etc aren't old nun names!)

Sorry, it will always be the female version of Bernard.....

it's like Perpetua or Assumpta or something like that. I don't think nun-like names will ever suit babies/kids/teens - they were never babies' names in the first place nuns took them over their given names when they joined so they were always mostly "older" names anyway. (well I suppose they WERE in order for them to be saints for the nuns to take the names, but y'know what I mean)

I work with a Bernie (and assume she is probably a Bernadette). She is a lovely, lively young woman so I don't get the nun association in my mind, but it is certainly quite Catholic. Looks like a few babies get Bernadette every year in the UK:

www.babynamewizard.co.uk/name/Bernadette

I really like it although it does make me think of nuns or at least older Irish women (nothing wrong with that of course, just the association it brings about). There was that song Bernadette wasn't there - like a Motown type number?

This one. Love it! m.youtube.com/watch?v=RJ0_gbofahM

Nowadays I think more of TBBT when I hear it ("sweet Bernadette!")
It was my friend's confirmation name. I really like it!

I don't really like it at all.

Reminds me of Bernadette Nolan.

I liked it ever since I read where'd you go, Bernadette?

Its like if you really wanted a boy, and really wanted to name him Bernard and then you found out you were expecting a girl and couldn't think of a name so just stuck 'ette' on the end.

Its a "no". Not every old lady name stands up to being cool and vintage, look at Edna, Gertrude, Eunice, Hilda.

I think it's lovely! Classic and classy I.

Makes me think of Bernadette Chirac - def. an old lady name! How about Benedicte or Berenice?

It's hideous.

the nn Bernie is no better, its somehow harsher than the name when nns are usually the soft version. It's not cutsey tom-boyish like Georgie for Georgina, its just old man. And I don't even know any old men called Bernie , only know the Bernie I went to school with - still, it's a crusty old man name I can't get past it!

HOLY GOD IN HEAVEN YOU CAN'T SERIOUSLY BE CONSIDERING BERNADETTE!

Absolutely it's a nun's name, but not the sexy nun who gives Fr Murphy the glad eye at the school mass. No Bernadette is a battle axe nun who smells like boiled cabbage and has spit in the corners of her mouth. When she catches you perving over pictures of Jason Donovan in maths class she bellows at you that your virtue is in danger

But if you like it..............

I don't like it either, my reasons because it sounds really 1950's.
However, there won't be half a dozen with the same name when she starts school.

What do you call a woman who throws all her utility bills in the fire?
Bernadette. For this reason too and the nn of Bernie.

Do you need any more reasons why not?
If it is special to you why not have it as a middle name?

I think Bernadette is lovely. I also not so secretly like Geraldine and Annette. I get funny looks when I mention them

perfectly normal and reasonable name IMO. I know a few although mostly in their 40s. My friend's daughter has it as a second name.
One I know is called "Berna" rather than Bernie which is different

Good good no.

No, it's a nasty nuns name from my school. I have just crossed myself and said ten Hail Marys in fear.

Squoosh I'm with you on that!

Sorry but I think it's an awful name. And Bernie is even worse. It's a 1950s name but not the Enid Blytony type that I think will have a vintage charm in a few years.
I would put Bernie on a par with Teresa, Christine or Philomena. Dreary and drab. Sorry!