Fern Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: Furn //fɜrn//
Origin: English; Latin
Meaning: English: a type of plant; Latin: fern (the plant)
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Fern has its roots in the Old English word "fearn," which means "a fern plant." This term is derived from the Proto-Germanic *farnō, which is also linked to the Proto-Indo-European root *dʰer-, meaning "to hold" or "to support." The name entered the English language in the early Middle Ages, reflecting the natural world and the significance of ferns in various ecosystems. As a name, it embodies a connection to nature, particularly in regions where ferns are abundant, and it has been used in English-speaking countries since at least the 19th century.
Historically, the name Fern has been associated with various cultural and literary references. In the 19th century, it gained popularity through literature and poetry that celebrated nature and the romantic ideals of the time.
Notably, the name appears in works that emphasize the beauty and tranquility of the natural environment, resonating with the Victorian fascination with flora. The name's association with the fern plant, which is often seen as a symbol of sincerity and magic, contributed to its appeal during this period.
Culturally, ferns have been significant in various traditions and folklore, often symbolizing humility and sincerity. In some cultures, ferns are believed to possess protective qualities, further enhancing their symbolic value.
The name Fern, therefore, carries connotations of grace and natural beauty, reflecting the characteristics of the plant itself. While diminutive forms or variations of the name are less common, the name Fern stands alone with a distinct identity, rooted deeply in both linguistic and cultural history.
Famous people named Fern
Fictional characters named Fern
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Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Fern was first seen in the United States in 1880. Fern has ranked as high as #280 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Missouri, New York, and Minnesota. In the past 5 years the name Fern has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Fern (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 14 | |
| OR | 12 | |
| NY | 10 | |
| MN | 9 | |
| PA | 9 | |
| UT | 8 | |
| NC | 8 | |
| MA | 7 | |
| MO | 6 | |
| WA | 6 | |
| IL | 6 | |
| ME | 6 | |
| TX | 6 | |
| OH | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880 | 10 |
| 1881 | 10 |
| 1882 | 26 |
| 1883 | 19 |
| 1884 | 40 |
| 1885 | 44 |
| 1886 | 36 |
| 1887 | 69 |
| 1888 | 77 |
| 1889 | 103 |
| 1890 | 119 |
| 1891 | 124 |
| 1892 | 172 |
| 1893 | 189 |
| 1894 | 197 |
| 1895 | 184 |
| 1896 | 218 |
| 1897 | 237 |
| 1898 | 265 |
| 1899 | 232 |
| 1900 | 266 |
| 1901 | 217 |
| 1902 | 238 |
| 1903 | 276 |
| 1904 | 281 |
| 1905 | 273 |
| 1906 | 277 |
| 1907 | 276 |
| 1908 | 364 |
| 1909 | 345 |
| 1910 | 394 |
| 1911 | 435 |
| 1912 | 613 |
| 1913 | 697 |
| 1914 | 821 |
| 1915 | 1,175 |
| 1916 | 1,332 |
| 1917 | 1,261 |
| 1918 | 1,341 |
| 1919 | 1,181 |
| 1920 | 1,304 |
| 1921 | 1,297 |
| 1922 | 1,207 |
| 1923 | 1,169 |
| 1924 | 1,059 |
| 1925 | 976 |
| 1926 | 912 |
| 1927 | 845 |
| 1928 | 806 |
| 1929 | 679 |
| 1930 | 633 |
| 1931 | 571 |
| 1932 | 503 |
| 1933 | 507 |
| 1934 | 462 |
| 1935 | 429 |
| 1936 | 395 |
| 1937 | 366 |
| 1938 | 377 |
| 1939 | 327 |
| 1940 | 328 |
| 1941 | 301 |
| 1942 | 311 |
| 1943 | 300 |
| 1944 | 281 |
| 1945 | 260 |
| 1946 | 284 |
| 1947 | 255 |
| 1948 | 245 |
| 1949 | 238 |
| 1950 | 228 |
| 1951 | 250 |
| 1952 | 226 |
| 1953 | 256 |
| 1954 | 237 |
| 1955 | 216 |
| 1956 | 232 |
| 1957 | 187 |
| 1958 | 177 |
| 1959 | 204 |
| 1960 | 183 |
| 1961 | 164 |
| 1962 | 94 |
| 1963 | 109 |
| 1964 | 105 |
| 1965 | 84 |
| 1966 | 71 |
| 1967 | 70 |
| 1968 | 56 |
| 1969 | 49 |
| 1970 | 67 |
| 1971 | 41 |
| 1972 | 31 |
| 1973 | 33 |
| 1974 | 25 |
| 1975 | 22 |
| 1976 | 16 |
| 1977 | 20 |
| 1978 | 16 |
| 1979 | 28 |
| 1980 | 17 |
| 1981 | 28 |
| 1982 | 31 |
| 1983 | 17 |
| 1984 | 21 |
| 1985 | 13 |
| 1986 | 5 |
| 1987 | 8 |
| 1988 | 19 |
| 1989 | 15 |
| 1990 | 9 |
| 1991 | 9 |
| 1992 | 5 |
| 1993 | 8 |
| 1994 | 13 |
| 1995 | 13 |
| 1996 | 6 |
| 1997 | 11 |
| 1998 | 10 |
| 1999 | 13 |
| 2000 | 18 |
| 2001 | 9 |
| 2002 | 11 |
| 2003 | 13 |
| 2004 | 19 |
| 2005 | 18 |
| 2006 | 16 |
| 2007 | 10 |
| 2008 | 27 |
| 2009 | 26 |
| 2010 | 33 |
| 2011 | 34 |
| 2012 | 45 |
| 2013 | 46 |
| 2014 | 65 |
| 2015 | 86 |
| 2016 | 87 |
| 2017 | 86 |
| 2018 | 127 |
| 2019 | 108 |
| 2020 | 135 |
| 2021 | 141 |
| 2022 | 148 |
| 2023 | 156 |
| 2024 | 184 |