Berny is a given name, usually a short form (hypocorism) of Bernard. It can also serve as a variant of Bernie, which is a diminutive of several names beginning with Bern, including Bernard, Bernadette, and Bernice. While Bernie has also become an independent given name, Berny retains a close association with Bernard and its Germanic origins. Etymology and Origin The name Berny ultimately traces back to the Old German elements bern meaning "bear" and hart meaning "hard, firm, brave, hardy." The Norman conquest introduced the related cognate Bernard to England, where it replaced the Old English Beornheard. Berny, as a short form, carries this