Holding steady, #4,249 for boys today.
Popularity of Ferdinand since 1880
Babies named Ferdinand per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ferdinand's real moment was 1884.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 383 |
| 1890s | 354 |
| 1900s | 330 |
| 1910s | 1,734 |
| 1920s | 1,774 |
| 1930s | 998 |
| 1940s | 603 |
| 1950s | 632 |
| 1960s | 523 |
| 1970s | 444 |
| 1980s | 335 |
| 1990s | 235 |
| 2000s | 195 |
| 2010s | 229 |
| 2020s | 140 |
Meaning & origin
Ferdinand is a classic royal name with Germanic roots that has seen consistent but low usage in the United States. First recorded in 1880, it peaked in popularity in 1884 and has since remained stable as a rare choice. In 2025, it ranked 4,249, with approximately 1 in 71,170 newborns receiving the name. Its longstanding but modest presence reflects its association with European monarchs rather than any surge in modern favor. The name's strong historical resonance and nickname potential make it a dignified option for parents seeking something traditional yet uncommon.
Ferdinand comes from the Gothic elements *frithu* (peace) and *nanth* (daring or bold). It was introduced to the Iberian Peninsula by the Visigoths and has been borne by numerous kings of Spain, Portugal, and Hungary. The name spread across Europe through royal and noble usage, with cognates in many Romance and Germanic languages.
Where Ferdinand is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Ferdinand” around the world
Where Ferdinand lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
40
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Fern, Ferdie, Nando, Ferdy
Variants: Fernando, Hernando, Ferdinando, Ferdynand
Sibling names for Ferdinand
Names that share Ferdinand's style, for a brother or sister.
