MallowbyNames

Ferman

FUR-man · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Fermin or a toponymic surname.

2025 rank (boys)
#8,910
Babies named in 2025
8
Peak popularity
1886
2025 frequency
1 in 213,510 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 2020

A 1880s favorite, climbing again.

Popularity of Ferman since 1886

Babies named Ferman per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ferman's real moment was 1886.

112233192019602000Most births 1921Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1880s6
1890s17
1900s30
1910s171
1920s266
1930s188
1940s170
1950s150
1960s111
1970s93
1980s61
1990s36
2000s50
2010s16
2020s18

Meaning & origin

Ferman is a rare and obscure name in the United States, with a recorded history dating back to 1886, when it first appeared and also reached its peak rank of 8,910. Over the years, its usage has been minimal, but the name has shown a rising trajectory since 2020, suggesting a possible revival of interest in vintage or uncommon names. Despite its rarity, Ferman has a straightforward pronunciation and a sturdy, surname-like quality. With no top states of concentration, it remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking an almost one-of-a-kind name with a hint of old-fashioned charm. The name's revival since the 2020s places it among a small group of 19th-century names being rediscovered.

Ferman is a rare given name of uncertain origin. It may be an English variant of Fermin, a name derived from the Latin 'Firmus' meaning 'firm, strong.' Alternatively, it could be a transferred use of the surname Ferman, which has English or Irish roots. The name has been in sporadic use in the United States since the late 19th century, with its highest recorded usage in 1886.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Ferry, Man

Variants: Fermin, Ferman

Sibling names for Ferman

Names that share Ferman's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Vera, Elma, Cora, Nellie, Myra

Brothers: Herman, Ernest, Oscar, Albert, Wilbur

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

F is for Ferman, our favorite little boy.

F is for Ferman…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Ferman's letter becomes Ferman's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Ferman's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Ferman mean?
The meaning of Ferman is uncertain. It may be a variant of Fermin, which means 'firm, strong,' or it may derive from a surname.
How popular is the name Ferman?
Ferman is very rare. In the latest year (2025), it ranked 8,910, with an estimated 1 in 213,510 newborns given the name.
Is Ferman a boy's or girl's name?
Ferman is predominantly used as a boy's name, though it is extremely uncommon.