Find out how popular the first name Ferris has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ferris by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Ferris is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 87% of people named Ferris being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 41 male babies and 7 female babies born with the name Ferris.

The history of the first name Ferris

The given name Ferris has its origins in the Latin language, specifically derived from the word "ferrum," which means iron or metal. It is believed to have emerged as a surname during the Middle Ages, referring to individuals involved in metalworking or blacksmithing professions.

In its earliest recorded use as a given name, Ferris can be traced back to the late 12th century in England and France. The name's association with iron and metalwork may have contributed to its popularity among families involved in related occupations or living in areas with a strong metalworking industry.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Ferris was Ferris de Derby, an English metalworker and blacksmith who lived in the late 13th century. His name was documented in various historical records, including tax rolls and guild registers, reflecting the name's connection to the metalworking trade.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Ferris. One prominent example is Ferris Greenslet (1875-1959), an American literary scholar and editor who served as the chief editor of the Houghton Mifflin publishing company for over two decades. His contributions to the literary world included editing works by notable authors such as Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Another well-known figure was Ferris Webster (1793-1857), an American politician and lawyer from New Hampshire. He served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1829 to 1833 and played a significant role in shaping legislation during his tenure.

In the realm of engineering and innovation, Ferris Bryant (1892-1975) was an American inventor and entrepreneur. He is best known for designing and constructing the iconic Ferris Wheel, which debuted at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iconic amusement ride has since become a staple at fairs and carnivals worldwide.

Another noteworthy individual was Ferris Traylor (1927-2015), an American football player who played as a defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears in the National Football League (NFL). He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997, recognizing his remarkable contributions to the sport.

Throughout its history, the name Ferris has been associated with individuals from various walks of life, ranging from metalworkers and tradesmen to scholars, politicians, inventors, and athletes. Its etymology and connection to the word "ferrum" have endured, serving as a reminder of the name's rich cultural heritage and its ties to the metalworking traditions of the past.

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 Ferris was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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