Fern
How to say it: FERN · /ˈfɜrn/
Old English plant name for the shade-loving fern - botanical revival since Victorian era.
Fern was the 1,033rd most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 186 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1910s, its births are up 2.1-fold in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #857 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #1,033 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 186 |
| Share of births | 1 in 17,824 |
| Peak decade | 1910s |
| Change over 10 years | ×2.1 |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #857 |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Long established and far from its 1910s height, Fern endures in softer numbers. Renewed growth appears likely after years below the summit.
What goes with it
Single syllable softness brushed with breath gives a gentle natural aura. Hazel would pair in style.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Fern is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English.
England and Wales: #301.
Famous people named Fern
- Fern Hunt (born 1948)American mathematician
- Fern Sutherland (born 1987)New Zealand actress
- Fern Andra (1893–1974)American actress
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
Good to know
- Fern Arable is the human protagonist of Charlotte's Web (1952), the girl who saves Wilbur.
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