Bernardita

Bernardita is a Spanish feminine diminutive of Bernarda, itself the feminine form of Bernardo, which derives from the Old High German name Bernhard, composed of the elements bern, meaning bear, and hard, meaning brave or strong. The name carries the affectionate, familiar quality typical of Spanish diminutive formations using the suffix ita. It is closely associated with Saint Bernadette of Lourdes, whose given name Marie-Bernarde was rendered in Spanish-speaking cultures as Bernardita, lending the name strong Catholic devotional resonance. Related forms include Bernarda, Bernadette, and Bernharda.