Fernie first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Fernie has been for the last 27 years (from 1975 to 2001) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Fernie

A masculine name meaning "brave journey" or "dweller near the fern plants".

Popularity of Fernie by gender

Based on the last 27 years of data, Fernie is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2001, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Fernie.

Year Male Count Female Count
2001 5 0
2000 6 0
1998 6 0
1996 5 0
1995 8 0
1994 15 0
1993 10 0
1992 5 0
1991 8 0
1990 5 0
1989 14 0
1988 8 0
1987 5 0
1983 7 0
1981 5 0
1980 5 0
1976 10 0
1975 5 0

The history of the first name Fernie

The given name Fernie has its origins in the Old French language and can be traced back to the 12th century. It is derived from the Old French word "ferne," which means "fern" or "bracken." The name likely originated as a descriptive nickname or a reference to someone who lived near an area abundant with ferns.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Fernie can be found in the 13th-century French epic poem "Le Roman de la Rose." In this literary work, a character named Fernie is mentioned, though little is known about the historical context or significance of this particular character.

During the Middle Ages, the name Fernie gained popularity in parts of France and eventually spread to other regions of Europe. It was often associated with individuals who had a connection to nature or lived in rural areas surrounded by ferns or other vegetation.

One notable individual who bore the name Fernie was a 14th-century French poet and troubadour. While little is known about his life, his works were celebrated for their lyrical beauty and evocative descriptions of nature.

In the 16th century, a Scottish scholar and theologian named Fernie Douglas (1475-1545) made significant contributions to the field of religious studies. His writings and teachings influenced the intellectual discourse of his time and helped shape the understanding of Christian doctrine.

Another historical figure with the name Fernie was Fernie Brock (1768-1841), an English artist and engraver known for his intricate landscape paintings and etchings. His works captured the beauty of the English countryside and were highly regarded during his lifetime.

In the 19th century, Fernie Williamson (1832-1904) was a prominent Australian politician and advocate for workers' rights. He played a crucial role in the establishment of labor unions and the fight for better working conditions in the Australian colonies.

While the name Fernie may not have been as widely used as some other given names, it has left a notable imprint throughout history, particularly in the fields of literature, art, and social activism.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Fernie was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Fernie, please contact us.

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"Fernie first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 31, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/fernie-meaning-and-history/.

"Fernie first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/fernie-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 31 July, 2025

Fernie first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/fernie-meaning-and-history/.

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