Fern

♂ Boy

Pronounced FURN /ˈfɜrn/High

Meaning: From the word fern — Old English fearn, 'the fern plant'; predominantly a girls'/unisex nature name; here for boysMedium

In 30 seconds: The fern plant: Fern is a nature word-name — 'the fern'. Crisp, green, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for boys).

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Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningFrom the word fern — Old English fearn, 'the fern plant'; predominantly a girls'/unisex nature name; here for boys

U.S. rank (2024)#5719 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births16 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1915

Total births (all-time)≈ 529

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Fern comes from the word fern — Old English fearn, 'the fern, a feathery green plant of the woods and shade'. A crisp, green, vintage nature name, predominantly girls'/unisex, here for boys (slug distinguished; it can also short Fernando or Vernon; nickname Fernie).

It registers thinly for boys. Rare for boys, the-fern at the root, and green.

Did you know? Fern means 'the fern plant' (Old English fearn) — a crisp, green nature word-name, used for both sexes (here for boys; the name also has old roots as a short form of Fernando/Vernon).

Overall data confidence 60%

References — Fern — word origin

Variations

FerneFernandoVern

Nicknames

Fernie

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Fern…

Vernon— a kin nature boys' name it can short

Fernando— a name it can short

Forrest— a fellow nature boys' name

Sage— another plant word-name

Explore names like Fern

By themeenglish unisex word-name nature

By meaningEarth / Nature

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Fern mean?

Fern is a nature word-name — Old English 'the fern plant'.

How do you pronounce Fern?

It's said FURN /ˈfɜrn/ — one syllable.

Is Fern a boy or girl name?

Fern is used for both sexes (predominantly girls'); this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Fern?

Fern is rare for boys in the U.S.