girl name · English origin
Fern
/ FURN /
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
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.
What does Fern mean?
Fern is an English nature name from the green woodland plant.
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.
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.