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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Bernard?

45 replies

harrietm87 · 08/12/2015 18:32

What do you think of this name? My OH loves it but I'm not sure. I think of "not now Bernard!" (the kids book) and also worry it may be pronounced ber-NARD rather than what we would intend (BER-nard). Not even pregnant yet but interested in people's views!

OP posts:
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thatstoast · 08/12/2015 18:34

For a boy or a girl?

ProbablyMe · 08/12/2015 18:35

I just think of Nursie's real name in Blackadder!

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 08/12/2015 18:37

No I really don't like it. I know two adult Bernard's and I almost cringe when I say their name. Awful name IMO.

harrietm87 · 08/12/2015 18:40

Boy. Never heard it as a girl's name. Nn barney or Bernie.

I don't love it but don't hate it either. Don't think I've met anyone with the name in real life.

OP posts:
SoySauceAddict · 08/12/2015 18:42

Not now 😁

HarrietSchulenberg · 08/12/2015 18:42

Ds1 was almost called Bernard as he was known as Bernard the Bump for the best part of 9 months Smile.

Oysterbabe · 08/12/2015 20:50

Honestly? It's absolutely horrible.

Jw35 · 08/12/2015 20:53

I hate it sorry

Gliblet · 08/12/2015 20:53

My favourite uncle's name Smile Never heard anyone this side of the Atlantic pronounce it with the emphasis on the second syllable, always BERnard

Belle9985 · 08/12/2015 20:54

Not a fan

cashewnutty · 08/12/2015 20:56

I love it. My dad had a brother who died in infancy called Bernard. He died before my dad was born and he has Bernard as one of his middle names. We also have another relative called Bernard who goes by the nn Ben.

Itsallaboutme3 · 08/12/2015 20:59

Thats just mean if you name your cute little baby Bernard

WhyCantIuseTheNameIWant · 08/12/2015 21:01

I think it is grandpa chic...

Along with Wilfred, Arthur...

Bernie and Ben are sweet nn too.

Lottiedaydreambeliever2014 · 08/12/2015 21:02

I only know a 60+ year old Bernard. I don't think it's a name that is coming back in fashion if you want something unusual. Not keen on the name personally though.

MrsBalustradeLanyard · 08/12/2015 21:04

Of all the lovely names in the whole wide world, why would you choose Bernard? Confused

ThatsNiceDear · 08/12/2015 21:13

I don't know anyone this generation (or the last several) called Bernard. Apart from Nursey from Blackadder. It does sound like an old man's name now. Mind you I did think that about Alfie and then there was a bloke in EastEnders called it and half the population named their babies that! So, in conclusion, maybe have a word with EastEnders writers.

Oysterbabe · 08/12/2015 21:14

It makes me think of black books, which is awesome, but I still think it's horrible.

celtictoast · 08/12/2015 21:38

I don't like it, sorry.

If you like the nickname Barney, would you consider Barnaby as full name?

Kangaroo1 · 08/12/2015 21:40

Kind of reminds me of the game 'Guess Who?' Cute as a baby name, works as an old man name, not so sure about the teenage years..

DancingDinosaur · 08/12/2015 21:41

I like Bernie but not Bernard. Love Barney and Barnaby.

DickDewy · 08/12/2015 21:41

No, it's just awful.

It's a Brian, Kenneth, Dennis sort of name.

omri · 08/12/2015 21:44

Op- I like it! So cute! Baby Bernard! Grin

Minty82 · 08/12/2015 21:45

My grandfather's name but I still think it's awful I'm afraid!

Dfg15 · 08/12/2015 21:46

Awful

FattySantaRobin · 08/12/2015 21:49

Well I think it's nice. But that may be because my DD is called Bernadette. Grin