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girl name · English origin

Fern

/ FURN /
Girl English 1 syllable
Meaning
Fern means The fern plant (English).
Gender
Girl
Origin
English
Pronunciation
FURN
Popularity
#1220 · U.S. girls (2025)
Popularity of Fern in the US, 1880–2025
18801900192019401960198020002020

Fern first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1918, when 1,341 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 186.

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Is Fern popular?

Rising Fern has climbed over the past decade, given to more girls now than ten years ago.

US babies given the name Fern, by decade
2020s 953
2010s 717
2000s 167
1990s 97
1980s 174
1970s 299
1960s 985
1950s 2,213
1940s 2,803
1930s 4,570
1920s 10,254
1910s 9,250
1900s 2,813
1890s 1,937
1880s 434

Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.

What does Fern mean?

Fern is an English nature name from the green woodland plant.

Names like Fern

English names with a similar feel and popularity.

See all names like Fern →

Names that pair well with Fern

Popular English names for a sibling or a middle name.

Compare Fern

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Fern mean?

Fern means The fern plant. Fern is an English nature name from the green woodland plant.

What is the origin of the name Fern?

Fern is of English origin.

How do you pronounce Fern?

Fern is pronounced “FURN.”

Is Fern a boy or a girl name?

Fern is most commonly used as a girl name.

Is Fern a popular name right now?

Fern has climbed over the past decade, given to more girls now than ten years ago.

How popular is the name Fern?

In 2025, Fern ranked #1220 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.

When was the name Fern most popular?

Fern was most popular in 1918, when about 1,341 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.

What names are similar to Fern?

Names similar to Fern include Aspen, Poppy, Clover, Ember, Marigold.

What names go well with Fern?

English names that pair well with Fern include Dorothy, Nancy, Edward, Joan, Mason.