Fern
Fern is a girl's name of English origin.
Meaning
Referencing the feather-like green plant, derived from Old English 'fearn'.
Origin and history
Fern is an English nature name derived from the green plant species. It gained popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as part of a trend toward botanical given names. In recent years, it has enjoyed a modest revival among parents seeking vintage, eco-inspired names.
Popularity in the United States
37,666 babies in the United States have been named Fern since 1880. It ranks #717 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1238.
States where it is most popular
- IL (8.3 %)
- PA (8.1 %)
- MO (7.4 %)
- NY (6.3 %)
- MN (5.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 434 |
| 1890-1900 | 1,937 |
| 1900-1910 | 2,813 |
| 1910-1920 | 9,250 |
| 1920-1930 | 10,254 |
| 1930-1940 | 4,570 |
| 1940-1950 | 2,803 |
| 1950-1960 | 2,213 |
| 1960-1970 | 985 |
| 1970-1980 | 299 |
| 1980-1990 | 174 |
| 1990-2000 | 97 |
| 2000-2010 | 167 |
| 2010-2019 | 717 |
| 2020-2029 | 953 |
Famous people named Fern
- Fern Britton: Television Presenter, Author
- Fern Persons: Actress
Fun facts
- Fern Arable is the compassionate human protagonist in E.B. White's classic 1952 children's novel Charlotte's Web.
- Fern was adopted as a given name during the Victorian era along with other floral and nature-based names like Hazel and Iris.