Origin and meaning of the name Berenice

Berenice is a female given name of Greek origin, derived from Berenike (Βερηνίκη), which is a Hellenized form of the Egyptian Birti-nicy (Birty-nichyt), meaning "exalted of Victory" or "bringer of victory". The name became popular in ancient Greece due to Berenice II, Queen of Egypt and wife of Ptolemy III Euergetes. It was also the name of several saints, contributing to its continued use in various cultures throughout history.

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The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Berenice

The name Berenice is of Greek origin, derived from the Latinized form of the Greek name Βερηνίκη (Berenike), which means "bringer of victory" or "bringing triumph". This name is composed of two elements: berys, meaning "victory", and nikē, meaning "victory". The name Berenice has been used in various forms across different cultures throughout history. In Greek mythology, a character named Berenice II was a Ptolemaic queen who ruled Egypt from 180 BC to 145 BC. The name became popular in the Roman Empire after the Queen's visit to Rome, where it was later adopted by Christians. The name has since been used in various forms across different cultures and languages.

Character traits associated with the name Berenice

Berenice, as a name, is often associated with individuals who exhibit qualities such as intelligence, creativity, and independence. Those named Berenice are known for their strong-willed personalities and their ability to think critically and solve problems effectively. They are also generally considered to be highly artistic, having an appreciation for beauty in various forms, from literature and music to visual arts. Berenice individuals may often be independent thinkers, with a keen sense of self and a desire to carve out their own path in life. However, this independence can sometimes lead to stubbornness or difficulty accepting the advice of others. Overall, those named Berenice are likely to be intriguing, creative, and determined individuals who value their personal freedom and artistic pursuits.

Popularity of the name Berenice

The name Berenice has historical roots, originating from Greek and Roman mythology, associated with the mythological figure Berenice II of Egypt. Despite its antiquated origin, Berenice remains a relatively uncommon name in contemporary Western cultures. In the United States, according to data from the Social Security Administration, the popularity of the name Berenice has fluctuated over the years but has generally remained outside the top 1000 most popular names for girls since the early 20th century. In recent years, there has been a slight resurgence in its usage, perhaps due to growing interest in less common and more distinctive names. However, Berenice is still considered an unusual name compared to more frequently used monikers like Emily, Olivia, or Sophia for girls.

Famous people with the name Berenice

Berenice is a name that has been associated with notable individuals throughout history. One of the most celebrated is Berenice Abbott (1898-1991), an American photographer who is best known for her documentation of New York City in the 1930s, particularly her series "Changing New York." Another famous figure named Berenice is Berenice Pepper (1925-2014), a pioneering neuroscientist who made significant contributions to our understanding of the nervous system and neurotransmitters. In the entertainment world, there's Berenice Bejo (born 1976), an Argentine actress who gained international acclaim for her role in the film "The Artist" (2011). Additionally, Berenice Marlohe (born 1984) is a French actress recognized for her part in the James Bond film "Skyfall" (2012). Lastly, Berenice Willis (born 1967), an American model and actress who starred in films such as "Die Hard 3" (1992) and "Double Dragon" (1994), is also worth mentioning. These women, in their respective fields, have made significant impacts and left lasting legacies with the name Berenice.

Variations of the name Berenice

Berenice is a female given name with various spellings and derivations across different languages and cultures. The original Greek form is Berenike (Βερένικη), which is derived from Berytos, the Phoenician name for modern Beirut, Lebanon. This name was borne by several ancient queens of Egypt.

In Latin, Berenice translates to Berenicea, and in Old French, it becomes Berenguiera or Berniere. The Spanish and Portuguese versions are Berenguela or Berengaria. In Italian, the name is Berenice, while the German form is Berenike or Bernice.

In English, there are several variations of the name, including Berenis, Berenise, Bernyce, Bernysia, and Berniece. It may also be spelled as Bernicea, Bernisa, Bernissa, Bernyxia, or Bernycie. These variants often reflect slight phonetic changes or adaptations to local dialects over time.

The name Berenice has a rich historical background and continues to be a popular choice among parents today.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "berenice"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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