Fern

♀ Girl

Pronounced FERN /fɜːrn/High

Meaning: The fern plant; from Old English fearn (the fern — a flowerless vascular plant that reproduces by spores)High

In 30 seconds: An English botanical name drawn from the fern plant, from Old English fearn. Ferns are among Earth's oldest plants — unchanged for 360 million years. Fern Arable in Charlotte's Web (1952) made the name synonymous with gentle, steadfast kindness.

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Origin HighEnglish

MeaningThe fern plant; from Old English fearn (the fern — a flowerless vascular plant that reproduces by spores)

U.S. rank (2025)#1220 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births186 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1918

Total births (all-time)≈ 37,663

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 Old English fearn (the fern plant). Ferns were important in British folklore — said to bring good luck when found bearing seeds (spores) on Midsummer's Eve. As a given name Fern has been used since the Victorian era.

Fern ranked #1261 for girls in 2024, rising as a vintage botanical choice.

Did you know? Ferns are among Earth's most ancient plants — they appeared 360 million years ago and predate dinosaurs by 120 million years. They reproduce without seeds or flowers using spores, exactly as they did when they covered the Carboniferous forests that became coal.

Overall data confidence 96%

Behind the Name — Fern — Old English etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

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Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Fern Britton (b. 1957)
English television presenter and author who came to national attention hosting Ready Steady Cook and This Morning on British television.

If you like Fern…

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Briar— one-syllable botanical name with the same wild British character

Ivy— one-syllable plant name with the same Victorian botanical feel

Explore names like Fern

By themeenglish vintage one-syllable botanical plant

By meaningFlower

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Fern mean?

Fern means 'the fern plant,' from Old English fearn. Ferns are among Earth's oldest plants, unchanged for 360 million years.

How do you pronounce Fern?

It's said FERN — one syllable.

Is Fern a boy or girl name?

Fern is used as a girls' name.

How popular is Fern?

Fern ranked #1261 for U.S. girls in 2024.