Surname Berndsen - Meaning and Origin

Berndsen: What does the surname Berndsen mean?

The last name Berndsen is of Scandinavian origin, and it is an occupational name derived from the Middle Low German word “Bern”, meaning “bear”. The name likely referred to someone who worked with bears, or someone who took charge of animal husbandry in a zoo. The name could also refer to a hunter.

In Scandinavia, the last name Berndsen means "son of Bernd". Bernd, in this context, is usually an occupational name derived from the same Middle Low German word “Bern”. The English spelling for the name is often “Berndson” and is pronounced "BUR-n-suhn".

The last name was popular in Denmark and Sweden in the 18th and 19th centuries, and was often used as an identification label in different farming villages. It was also popular in Norway and Iceland, where the spelling “Berndsen” is still used today.

The Berndsen family has a long and noble history in Scandinavia and can trace their roots back to medieval times. They have produced many notable figures throughout the centuries, such as notable Danish singers and musicians, theologians and politicians.

Today, the name is still found in Scandinavia, particularly Sweden where it is the 255th most common surname. Those with the last name Berndsen are said to be compassionate, determined and hard-working individuals focused on their passions. They exude a strong and stable persona and are noted for their even-handed approach to life.

Berndsen: Where does the name Berndsen come from?

The last name Berndsen is most commonly found in Norway today. According to the Norwegian National Registry, as of 2020, the Berndsen surname was the 845th most common last name in Norway, with an estimated 5,372 individuals bearing it.

The Berndsen family originated in Kongsberg, Telemark, in the late 1600s. It is believed that the original Berndsen family was of German origin. The family legacy began when Ola Dorthea Berndsdatter was born in 1702. Since then, the Berndsen family has grown and flourished, with members of the family having relocated around various parts of the country over the years.

Today, it is estimated that somewhere between 1,000-3,000 individuals have the Berndsen surname in Norway, with many of them residing in the south of the country, including Vest-Agder and Aust-Agder. Other substantial concentrations of Berndsen’s are located in Oslo and the surrounding area, as well as in other cities such as Bergen, Stavanger, Drammen, and Trondheim.

In addition to Norway, Berndsen’s have also established roots in Finland and Sweden, suggesting that its distribution is likely not limited only to Norway. Evidence has also suggested that Berndsen’s have migrated to various parts of Europe, North America, South America, and even Australia.

Overall, the surname Berndsen appears to have a global reach today, most notably originating in Norway before expanding to other parts of the world.

Variations of the surname Berndsen

The surname Berndsen is a patronymic surname, meaning “son of Bern” – a given name derived from “bern”, meaning “bear” in Old German. The surname is particularly prevalent in Scandinavian and Germanic nations.

Variant spellings of Berndsen include: Bjornson, Biornson, Bernson, Bernhardsen, Bernds, Berndszoon, Berndzoon, Berndtzon, and Bernadsen. Common surnames that are likely related to Berndsen include Bernie, Bernsdorf, Bernhard, Barnson, and Berns.

In Scandinavia, patronymic surnames are produced by adding the suffix “-(s)son” or “-datter” (daughter) to the end of the father’s name. Therefore, the surname may have evolved over time from the original “Bern-” prefix to “Bernd-” or “Bernh-”. Other Nordic-language variants include Berndtsson, Berndtzon, Arnarson, and Erndson.

In Germany, the name may have been likely to have been Germanized from its original, Scandinavian form to “Berndsen”. The German form may also have been influenced by the Middle High German “bern”, meaning “berry”. Other German variants include Bernsen, Bernsmann, Bernsmann, and Bernhard.

In other regions, Berndsen may have been adapted as Berentson, Behrendsen, and Berendsen. In the Netherlands, it may have been adapted as Beernsen or emergency anglicized as Barnes.

In general, the variations of the Berndsen surname reflect a range of languages, countries, regions, and histories. As a result, it can be difficult to trace one's genealogy with the surname. However, with a little research, one can find more information about their ancestors and their family's history.

Famous people with the name Berndsen

• Kris Berndsen: a Dutch mixed martial artist and kickboxer, currently signed to GLORY, the world’s biggest kickboxing organization.
• Andy Berndsen: a Dutch professional squash player.
• Notis Berndsen: a professional dancer, classical ballet teacher and choreographer.
• Lo Berndsen: Dutch badminton player.
• Ceawlin Thynn, Viscount Weymouth: English aristocrat and model, known professionally as Ceawlin Berndsen Thynn.
• Jacob Berndsen: a former Australian rules footballer who played for the St Kilda Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL).
• Herman Theodoor Berndsen: a former Dutch water polo player.
• Svend Berndsen: a former Danish amateur badminton player, active from the mid-1930s till the mid-1950s.
• Ken Berndsen: a former American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
• Pete Berndsen: a former Australian rules footballer.

Other surnames

Berndsmann