Nate’s large friend nicknamed Bear is named Barnaby.
His full English name is Barnaby “Bear” Bernstein. Bear is one of Nate’s classmates and friends in the English localization of Yo-kai Watch, alongside characters such as Eddie Archer and Katie Forester. Although he looks intimidating and is physically imposing, the character is generally portrayed as friendly, sensitive, and loyal.
“Bear” is a nickname rather than his first name, which is why the question can be confusing. In the Japanese version, the character is known as Kuma and his given name is Gorōta Kumashima. The English localization changes both the naming style and the character’s surname, producing Barnaby Bernstein while retaining “Bear” as his familiar nickname.
Bear’s name also helps distinguish him from Eddie, whose English first name is Edward. The two are often shown together as part of Nate’s circle, but Eddie is the technology-minded, skeptical friend, while Bear is the stronger and more physically imposing classmate. Bear’s younger sister is called Bearmie in the English version.