Surname Berndes - Meaning and Origin
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Berndes: What does the surname Berndes mean?
The last name Berndes is of German origin and is largely found in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. Its meaning is derived from the Old Germanic name Berend, which is derived from the Germanic elements "beran", meaning to bear or to carry, and "hild", meaning battle. The name can also be traced back to meaning "bright ruler" or "bold protector".
The earliest mentions of Berndes as a family name can be found in the German records of the 16th century, indicating the family was already well known at this time. Records from that same period show the Berndes family as being influential in terms of politics and government in the region where they lived.
The surname Berndes has been carried on for centuries, each generation maintaining and building upon the legacy of the family's traditions. It is believed that the Berndes family were descended from a line of knights who were entrusted with protecting their community during times of strife.
Today, the Berndes name is still revered among German-speaking countries. It is a proud reminder of a family's past and a constant reminder of strength and loyalty, even when faced with difficult times.
Order DNA origin analysisBerndes: Where does the name Berndes come from?
The last name Berndes is commonly found in places with German heritage. This includes Eastern Europe and Germany itself, where people with this last name have been for centuries.
In the United States, the population of Berndes family members is concentrated in Wisconsin and Minnesota—with the largest numbers centered in Milwaukee and St. Paul—as well as in Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania.
In Canada, the Berndes family is prominent in Ontario, specifically in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, where many German immigrants first settled.
Berndes family members can also be found in South America, especially in Brazil, where many German immigrants made a new home in the 19th century.
Because of its German roots, the Berndes family can also be found among the closely related Swiss, Dutch, and Austrian settlers of South Africa, where the family has been for generations.
In addition to places where the German language is still spoken, such as Luxembourg and Liechtenstein, other areas in Europe with a high proportion of Berndes family members include Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia—likely due to German migration in the region.
Overall, the Berndes family have a long and storied lineage in Europe and the New World, and they are still prominent today in many countries across the continents.
Variations of the surname Berndes
The surname Berndes is of German origin and the variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include Berns, Berndse, Bernde, Bernese, Berndsen, Berndt, Berndtson and Bernat. According to lesscommondenominations.com, the surname may have derived from the Germanic personal name Bernd, a short form of Bernhard or Bernwart, from an Old High German name composed of the elements ‘beraht’, meaning ‘bright’, and ‘hard’, meaning ‘hardy or strong’.
The surname Berndes in its various spellings is found in both Continental Europe and North America today. In the Netherlands, the surname Berndes is in most cases spelled with a ‘s’ at the end (as Bernardes); in Germany, it is most commonly spelled Berndt or Bernde; and in other parts of Europe, the surname can be found with various other spellings and endings.
In the United States, the earliest records of the spelling Berndes included Heinrich and Johann Berndes, who both emigrated from Germany in the mid-1800s and settled in Pennsylvania. The spelling Berndt, was not as popular in the United States, but the variants Berns, Berndse and Bernese were more common.
The variant surname Berndsen is also found in the United States, mostly among immigrants who came from Norway and Denmark in the late 19th century. Finally, the variant surname Bernat is of French and Spanish origin, and is also found in both Europe and America today.
Famous people with the name Berndes
- Walt Berndes (1913-2007): Walt Berndes, born in 1913, was an American tap dancer, choreographer, and dance director. He was best known for his work on Broadway with comedians Jack Benny and Buster Keaton.
- Caroline Berndes (1899-1997): Caroline Berndes was a prominent French actress of stage and screen, appearing in over fifty films and plays.
- Thomas Berndes (1900-1983): Thomas Berndes was a German painter of the early modernist movement. He is most remembered for his abstract landscapes, often featuring a vivid red color.
- Dr. Martin Berndes (born 1963): Dr. Martin Berndes is an Austrian historian and author best known for his works on the history of Eastern Europe.
- Dorothea Berndes (born 1892): Dorothea Berndes was a German classical and modern dancer who was particularly noted for her performances of dances from the Ballet Russes repertoire.
- Max Berndes (born 1951): Max Berndes is an Austrian sculptor, best known for his abstract works that often feature heavy symbolism and religious implications.