The surname Bernard, when of Irish descent, typically originates from the Anglo-Norman settlers who came to Ireland during the medieval period. The name itself is of Old Germanic origin, deriving from the personal name Bernhard, composed of the elements bern meaning bear, and hard meaning brave or strong. After the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, the name spread to Britain, and with the subsequent Norman invasion of Ireland in the 12th century, it was introduced to Irish shores.
The Normans were known for establishing themselves as a ruling class in areas of Ireland, and as such, the name Bernard became associated with the aristocracy and landed gentry. The name was sometimes adapted into Irish as Beirne or Bjorn and could be found among the Gaelic Irish as well. It was predominantly found in areas where Norman influence was strongest, particularly in the east and south of the country.
Throughout history, the Bernard name has been anglicized and transformed in various regions, resulting in a range of spellings and related surnames. As families with the surname Bernard spread across Ireland and beyond, the name became a part of the wider Irish diaspora, with many bearers of the name emigrating to countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia during periods of Irish emigration, particularly during the Great Famine of the 19th century. Today, the Bernard surname of Irish descent can be found across the world, carrying with it a legacy that reflects a melding of Norman, Gaelic, and Anglo influences.
I'm Bóru Bernard, the Family Crest Bear and a custodian of Irish heritage who oversees a grand and expansive library of Irish names. My library is a treasure of family history, cataloguing thousands of surnames, including a special collection of over 2,500 names from Irish and Celtic origins.
We invite you to search this extraordinary library, a realm where each name tells a story. Embark on an engaging journey to uncover your family name hidden within these vast archives. In a distinctive and personalized offering, Bóru Bernard allows you to immortalise your family's name and crest on his t-shirt, transforming it into a proud emblem of your family history.
Suitable for children from 36 months, Bóru, the Family Crest Bear is a large charming Irish teddy bear with tweed trousers, a matching flat cap and his t-shirt is personalized with your own family crest. Made with all new synthetic materials he sits 30cm / 12 in. tall (38cm / 15 in. from top to toes), has soft brown fur and features the Paddy Pals motif on his pad. Paddy Pals are loved by both children and adults with their traditional Irish attire and welcoming smile. The best things in life are the people we love, the places we have been and the memories we have made along the way.
Dispatched from County Down, Northern Ireland, Paddy Pals bears are delivered worldwide for FREE!
Standard Free Shipping - Airmail. Delivered in approx. 7-9 working days (Faster
shipping options also available when checking out).
In the unlikely event you are not satisfied with your purchase we offer a 30 days full money back guarantee.
| Materials | Polyester fiberfill. Polyurethane foam |
|---|---|
| Colour | Brown |
| Age | Suitable for children from 36 months |
| Cleaning | Hand wash only |
| Conformity | European Standard EN71 |
|---|---|
| EAN | 5055374500149 |
| Weight | 0.3kg (0.7lbs) |
| Height | 30cm (11.8 inches) |
Gaeilge
English