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Fern

Girl name · 558 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Fern: 558 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 37 births in 2025.

From the Old English *fearn*, meaning the leafy green plant that thrives in shaded woodlands, Fern emerged as a nature-inspired given name in the late 19th century, part of the Victorian fashion for botanical names. Notable bearers include Scottish comedian Fern Brady, known for her sharp wit, and beloved children’s author Fern Britton. The enduring character Wilbur’s friend Fern Arable in E.B. White’s *Charlotte’s Web* gave the name a gentle, compassionate association for generations of readers. While it first appeared as a pet form of Frances, Fern has long stood on its own as a unisex choice, though it is now mostly given to girls. Its simple, earthy elegance also connects to the surname Ferns, found in Scottish place names like Fernieside in Edinburgh.