Holding steady.
Popularity of Fernand since 1882
Babies named Fernand per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 12 |
| 1890s | 0 |
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 192 |
| 1920s | 562 |
| 1930s | 286 |
| 1940s | 164 |
| 1950s | 93 |
| 1960s | 71 |
| 1970s | 53 |
| 1980s | 32 |
| 1990s | 16 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 7 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Fernand is a French name that saw its highest usage in the United States around the 1920s, specifically peaking in 1923. While it has not appeared in the top 1,000 names in recent decades, it maintained a steady trajectory without sudden spikes or declines. The name conveys a sense of historical depth and continental charm, often associated with French culture. Its meaning, derived from Germanic elements, ties to concepts of readiness and bravery. Though not a common choice today, Fernand offers a distinctive alternative for families seeking a name with European heritage and a classic sound.
Fernand is a French form of the Germanic name Ferdinand, derived from the elements 'farð' meaning journey or 'frithu' meaning peace, and 'nanth' meaning daring or brave. It has been used in France and French-speaking regions since the Middle Ages, and experienced a peak in popularity in the 1920s.
“Fernand” around the world
Where Fernand lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Fern, Ferd, Nan
Sibling names for Fernand
Names that share Fernand's style, for a brother or sister.
