Ferris

Meaning & origin

Ferris is a rare given name with Irish origins, emerging from the surname Ó Fearghusa. First recorded in the United States in 1893, it reached its peak popularity in 1902. After decades of obscurity, Ferris began a steady rise in 1985, reflecting a broader trend of reviving surname-style and vintage names. As of 2025, it ranks 3,128, with a frequency of 1 in 44,949 births. The name is most common in Michigan and California, states that often lead in reviving traditional Irish names. Its sound is approachable and friendly, partly due to the cultural echo of the 1986 film 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off', though the name's use predates that association. Ferris remains a distinctive choice, balancing heritage with a modern, accessible feel.

Ferris is an Anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Fearghusa, derived from the personal name Fearghus. The name Fearghus is composed of elements meaning 'man' and 'vigor' or 'choice', so it may have originally denoted a man of strength or excellence. Although primarily used as a surname for centuries, Ferris has been adopted as a given name, particularly in the United States, where it saw early 20th-century use and a revival from the 1980s onward.