Ferdinand
From Spanish Ferdinando, from Proto-Germanic *fardiz (“journey”) + *nanþaz (“daring”) (from the root of *ninþaną (“to be daring”)).
Every Ferdinand since 1880 — 8,909 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Ferdinand
Ferdinand is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #4,294 in 2025 with 24 babies given the name. It is currently rising compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 8,909 American babies have been named Ferdinand. Its peak came in 1918, when 259 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1910s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Ferdinand stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Ferdinand year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 24 | #4,294 |
| 2024 | 28 | #3,914 |
| 2023 | 29 | #3,824 |
| 2022 | 29 | #3,798 |
| 2021 | 16 | #5,620 |
| 2020 | 14 | #6,070 |
| 2019 | 20 | #4,849 |
| 2018 | 25 | #4,130 |
| 2017 | 17 | #5,356 |
| 2016 | 35 | #3,249 |
| 2015 | 20 | #4,770 |
| 2014 | 24 | #4,171 |
| 2013 | 24 | #4,097 |
| 2012 | 21 | #4,588 |
| 2011 | 20 | #4,714 |
| 2010 | 23 | #4,277 |
| 2009 | 20 | #4,809 |
| 2008 | 25 | #4,065 |
| 2007 | 24 | #4,161 |
| 2006 | 21 | #4,404 |
| 2005 | 16 | #5,105 |
| 2004 | 16 | #5,085 |
| 2003 | 20 | #4,163 |
| 2002 | 15 | #4,985 |
| 2001 | 22 | #3,757 |
| 2000 | 16 | #4,649 |
| 1995 | 22 | #3,130 |
| 1990 | 35 | #2,102 |
| 1985 | 35 | #1,742 |
| 1980 | 35 | #1,666 |
| 1975 | 43 | #1,327 |
| 1970 | 56 | #1,096 |
| 1965 | 54 | #1,007 |
| 1960 | 63 | #956 |
| 1955 | 71 | #881 |
| 1950 | 53 | #951 |
| 1945 | 55 | #846 |
| 1940 | 61 | #795 |
| 1935 | 101 | #577 |
| 1930 | 145 | #495 |
| 1925 | 159 | #481 |
| 1920 | 185 | #446 |
| 1915 | 245 | #336 |
| 1910 | 48 | #371 |
| 1905 | 31 | #374 |
| 1900 | 41 | #340 |
| 1895 | 38 | #290 |
| 1890 | 33 | #299 |
| 1885 | 36 | #278 |
| 1880 | 32 | #294 |
Famous people named Ferdinand
- Ferdinand Magellan Explorer · 1480–1521
- Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor Politician · 1503–1564
- Ferdinand de Saussure Linguist · 1857–1913
- Ferdinand II of Aragon Politician · 1452–1516
- Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor Politician · 1578–1637
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ferdinand mean?
From Spanish Ferdinando, from Proto-Germanic *fardiz (“journey”) + *nanþaz (“daring”) (from the root of *ninþaną (“to be daring”)).
How popular is the name Ferdinand in 2025?
Ferdinand ranked #4,294 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 24 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Ferdinand?
8,909 babies have been named Ferdinand in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Ferdinand most popular?
Ferdinand peaked in 1918, when 259 newborns received the name.
Is Ferdinand a boy or girl name?
Ferdinand is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Ferdinand rising or falling?
Ferdinand is on the rise — noticeably more popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Ferdinand?
Well-known people named Ferdinand include Ferdinand Magellan (explorer), Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor (politician), Ferdinand de Saussure (linguist).