Fernando: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, and More

Fact: The name Fernando was popularized in modern culture by the Swedish pop group ABBA with their hit song “Fernando,” released in 1976. The song remains a classic and contributed to the name’s international recognition.

Fernando Overview

Meaning

Brave journey, bold voyager

Gender

Boy

Origin

Spanish, Portuguese

Etymology

Derived from the Germanic elements “fard” (journey) and “nand” (daring/brave).

Religion

Christianity, Judaism

Pronunciation

/fərˈnæn.doʊ/

Popularity

Fernando is a beloved name in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, and it is also recognized in many other parts of the world. In 2023, Fernando ranked #310 for boys in the USA.

Syllable

3 syllables

Length

8 letters

Numerology

5 (Visionary, Expansive, Adventurous)

Name Styles

Traditional, Classic, Long

Associated Traits

Brave, adventurous, noble

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Often associated with Saint Ferdinand, a king known for his piety and leadership in Spain.

Name Day

May 30th (Spain)

Fernando Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Ferdinand, Fernand, Hernando, Nando, Fernão

Common Nicknames

Fern, Nando, Ferdie, Nano, Nani

Diminutives

Fer, Nandito, Fernie, Nandy, Ferni

Famous People

Fernando Alonso
(Spanish Racing Driver)
Fernando Torres
(Spanish Soccer Player)
Fernando Botero
(Colombian Artist)
Fernando Pessoa
(Portuguese Poet)
Fernando Valenzuela
(Mexican Baseball Player)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

Fernando Sucre
("Prison Break," TV Series)
Fernando Torres
("Goal II: Living the Dream," Film)
"Fernando"
(1976 Song by ABBA)
Fernando Mendoza
("Narcos," TV Series)

Places

San Fernando City
(La Union, Philippines)
Fernando de Noronha Archipelago
(Pernambuco, Brazil)
San Fernando Valley
(California, USA)
San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca
(Catamarca, Argentina)
San Fernando City
(Pampanga, Philippines)

What Is the Meaning of Fernando?

Fernando means “brave journey” or “adventurous.” Those named Fernando often possess a strong sense of courage and a spirit of exploration.

What Is the Origin of The Name Fernando?

The foundation of Fernando lies in the Germanic name Ferdinand, which was later adopted into Spanish and Portuguese. Its etymology traces back to “fardi” (journey) and “nand” (daring or brave).

Fernando Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Fernando in the U.S. over the Years

United States	#3582021	#3422022	#3432023
Top 3 Rankings	#1491997	#1502000	#1512006

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Fernando

Year	Name Ranking	Number of Births	Birth Rate (%)
2023	343 (-1 from 2022)	967 (-9 from 2022)	0.05281
2022	342 (+16 from 2021)	976 (+71 from 2021)	0.05211
2021	358 (-16 from 2020)	905 (-33 from 2020)	0.04830
2020	342 (-27 from 2019)	938 (-127 from 2019)	0.05071
2019	315 (-4 from 2018)	1065 (-25 from 2018)	0.05542
2018	311 (-5 from 2017)	1090 (-49 from 2017)	0.05608
2017	306 (-17 from 2016)	1139 (-106 from 2016)	0.05755
2016	289 (-17 from 2015)	1245 (-103 from 2015)	0.06146
2015	272 (-8 from 2014)	1348 (-55 from 2014)	0.06593
2014	264 (-10 from 2013)	1403 (-26 from 2013)	0.06847
2013	254 (-11 from 2012)	1429 (-53 from 2012)	0.07072
2012	243 (-34 from 2011)	1482 (-224 from 2011)	0.07303
2011	209 (-20 from 2010)	1706 (-247 from 2010)	0.08398
2010	189 (-10 from 2009)	1953 (-173 from 2009)	0.09506
2009	179 (-15 from 2008)	2126 (-257 from 2008)	0.10024
2008	164 (-7 from 2007)	2383 (-304 from 2007)	0.10929
2007	157 (-6 from 2006)	2687 (-71 from 2006)	0.12131
2006	151 (+19 from 2005)	2758 (+318 from 2005)	0.12580
2005	170 (-15 from 2004)	2440 (-138 from 2004)	0.11470
2004	155 (+2 from 2003)	2578 (+24 from 2003)	0.12199
2003	157 (+2 from 2002)	2554 (+131 from 2002)	0.12155
2002	159 (-6 from 2001)	2423 (-178 from 2001)	0.11724
2001	153 (-3 from 2000)	2601 (-1 from 2000)	0.12575
2000	150 (+19 from 1999)	2602 (+427 from 1999)	0.12460
1999	169 (-3 from 1998)	2175 (+118 from 1998)	0.10667
1998	166 (-17 from 1997)	2057 (-258 from 1997)	0.10145
1997	149 (+29 from 1996)	2315 (+440 from 1996)	0.11588
1996	178 (-2 from 1995)	1875 (+3 from 1995)	0.09358
1995	176 (-2 from 1994)	1872 (+40 from 1994)	0.09307
1994	174 (+5 from 1993)	1832 (+34 from 1993)	0.08988
1993	179 (-10 from 1992)	1798 (-82 from 1992)	0.08705
1992	169 No change from 1991	1880 (-18 from 1991)	0.08956
1991	169 (+10 from 1990)	1898 (+167 from 1990)	0.08954
1990	179 (+8 from 1989)	1731 (+149 from 1989)	0.08044
1989	187 (+13 from 1988)	1582 (+221 from 1988)	0.07548
1988	200 (+8 from 1987)	1361 (+159 from 1987)	0.06797
1987	208 (-15 from 1986)	1202 (-121 from 1986)	0.06163
1986	193 No change from 1985	1323 (+31 from 1985)	0.06885
1985	193 (-2 from 1984)	1292 (+8 from 1984)	0.06714
1984	191 (-1 from 1983)	1284 (+5 from 1983)	0.06842
1983	190 (-5 from 1982)	1279 (-88 from 1982)	0.06863
1982	185 (+14 from 1981)	1367 (+126 from 1981)	0.07244
1981	199 (-3 from 1980)	1241 (-24 from 1980)	0.06664
1980	196 (+14 from 1979)	1265 (+135 from 1979)	0.06820
1979	210 (-6 from 1978)	1130 (+49 from 1978)	0.06308
1978	204 (-3 from 1977)	1081 (-55 from 1977)	0.06327
1977	201 (+29 from 1976)	1136 (+250 from 1976)	0.06646
1976	230 (-7 from 1975)	886 (-28 from 1975)	0.05427
1975	223 (+17 from 1974)	914 (+72 from 1974)	0.05634
1974	240 (+5 from 1973)	842 (+34 from 1973)	0.05165
1973	245 (+10 from 1972)	808 (+25 from 1972)	0.05007
1972	255 (+9 from 1971)	783 (-45 from 1971)	0.04677
1971	264 (+12 from 1970)	828 (+64 from 1970)	0.04555
1970	276 (+11 from 1969)	764 (+84 from 1969)	0.04011
1969	287 (+6 from 1968)	680 (+32 from 1968)	0.03718
1968	293 (+11 from 1967)	648 (+60 from 1967)	0.03650
1967	304 (-1 from 1966)	588 (-15 from 1966)	0.03304
1966	303 (+22 from 1965)	603 (+54 from 1965)	0.03318
1965	325 (-15 from 1964)	549 (-71 from 1964)	0.02898
1964	310 (+12 from 1963)	620 (+24 from 1963)	0.03059
1963	322 (-13 from 1962)	596 (-37 from 1962)	0.02887
1962	309 (+9 from 1961)	633 (+22 from 1961)	0.03012
1961	318 (+5 from 1960)	611 (+28 from 1960)	0.02833
1960	323 (-8 from 1959)	583 (-27 from 1959)	0.02692
1959	315 (+20 from 1958)	610 (+82 from 1958)	0.02816
1958	335 (-3 from 1957)	528 (-2 from 1957)	0.02450
1957	332 (-6 from 1956)	530 (+15 from 1956)	0.02421
1956	326 (-6 from 1955)	515 (-18 from 1955)	0.02400
1955	320 (-23 from 1954)	533 (-41 from 1954)	0.02550
1954	297 (+15 from 1953)	574 (+45 from 1953)	0.02774
1953	312 (+23 from 1952)	529 (+105 from 1952)	0.02642
1952	335 (+3 from 1951)	424 (+18 from 1951)	0.02149
1951	338 (+25 from 1950)	406 (+62 from 1950)	0.02124
1950	363 (+49 from 1949)	344 (+76 from 1949)	0.01891
1949	412 (-25 from 1948)	268 (-44 from 1948)	0.01487
1948	387 (+33 from 1947)	312 (+48 from 1947)	0.01750
1947	420 (+10 from 1946)	264 (+45 from 1946)	0.01421
1946	430 (-25 from 1945)	219 (-1 from 1945)	0.01327
1945	405 (+45 from 1944)	220 (+40 from 1944)	0.01604
1944	450 (+31 from 1943)	180 (+16 from 1943)	0.01296
1943	481 (-26 from 1942)	164 (-19 from 1942)	0.01127
1942	455 (+56 from 1941)	183 (+50 from 1941)	0.01299
1941	511 (-58 from 1940)	133 (-31 from 1940)	0.01060
1940	453 (+44 from 1939)	164 (+33 from 1939)	0.01383
1939	497 (-9 from 1938)	131 (-10 from 1938)	0.01156
1938	488 (-32 from 1937)	141 (-9 from 1937)	0.01241
1937	456 (+55 from 1936)	150 (+29 from 1936)	0.01372
1936	511 (-3 from 1935)	121 (-7 from 1935)	0.01137
1935	508 (-7 from 1934)	128 (-4 from 1934)	0.01197
1934	501 (-13 from 1933)	132 No change from 1933	0.01243
1933	488 (+12 from 1932)	132 (+1 from 1932)	0.01294
1932	500 (-75 from 1931)	131 (-46 from 1931)	0.01219
1931	425 (+24 from 1930)	177 (+4 from 1930)	0.01655
1930	449 (+32 from 1929)	173 (+24 from 1929)	0.01532
1929	481 (+18 from 1928)	149 (+3 from 1928)	0.01345
1928	499 (-54 from 1927)	146 (-43 from 1927)	0.01279
1927	445 (+74 from 1926)	189 (+53 from 1926)	0.01627
1926	519 (-41 from 1925)	136 (-26 from 1925)	0.01187
1925	478 (+26 from 1924)	162 (+9 from 1924)	0.01407
1924	504 (+17 from 1923)	153 (+17 from 1923)	0.01309
1923	521 (+67 from 1922)	136 (+17 from 1922)	0.01201
1922	588 (-42 from 1921)	119 (-11 from 1921)	0.01058
1921	546 (+100 from 1920)	130 (+34 from 1920)	0.01142
1920	646 (+36 from 1919)	96 (+13 from 1919)	0.00872
1919	682 (-3 from 1918)	83 (-1 from 1918)	0.00817
1918	679 (-11 from 1917)	84 (+4 from 1917)	0.00801
1917	668 (+142 from 1916)	80 (+22 from 1916)	0.00834
1916	810 (+6 from 1915)	58 (+2 from 1915)	0.00628
1915	816 (-119 from 1914)	56 (+2 from 1914)	0.00636
1914	697 (+200 from 1913)	54 (+24 from 1913)	0.00790
1913	897 (-162 from 1912)	30 (-4 from 1912)	0.00559
1912	735 (+24 from 1911)	34 (+16 from 1911)	0.00753
1911	759 (-161 from 1910)	18 (-5 from 1910)	0.00746
1910	598 (+81 from 1909)	23 (+7 from 1909)	0.01103
1909	679 (+100 from 1908)	16 (+4 from 1908)	0.00905
1908	779 (+421 from 1907)	12 (+6 from 1907)	0.00721
1907	1200 (-89 from 1906)	6 No change from 1906	0.00378
1906	1111 (-545 from 1904)	6 (-10 from 1904)	0.00416
1905	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1904	566 (+443 from 1903)	16 (+10 from 1903)	0.01155
1903	1009 (-322 from 1902)	6 (-5 from 1902)	0.00464
1902	687 (+256 from 1901)	11 (+5 from 1901)	0.00829
1901	943 (-200 from 1900)	6 (-6 from 1900)	0.00519
1900	743 (+43 from 1899)	12 (+4 from 1899)	0.00740
1899	786 (+335 from 1898)	8 (+3 from 1898)	0.00694
1898	1121 (-334 from 1897)	5 (-3 from 1897)	0.00379
1897	787 (+195 from 1896)	8 (+2 from 1896)	0.00656
1896	982 (+97 from 1895)	6 (+1 from 1895)	0.00465
1895	1079 (-292 from 1894)	5 (-3 from 1894)	0.00395
1894	787 (+74 from 1892)	8 (+1 from 1892)	0.00641
1893	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1892	861 (+170 from 1888)	7 (+2 from 1888)	0.00533
1891	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1890	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1889	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1888	1031 (-384 from 1886)	5 (-4 from 1886)	0.00385
1887	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1886	647 (-6 from 1885)	9 No change from 1885	0.00756
1885	641 (-28 from 1884)	9 (-1 from 1884)	0.00776
1884	613 (+186 from 1883)	10 (+4 from 1883)	0.00815
1883	799 (+38 from 1882)	6 No change from 1882	0.00533
1882	837 (-155 from 1880)	6 (-2 from 1880)	0.00492
1881	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1880	682 First SSA data recorded	8 First SSA data recorded	0.00676

American States Popularity Rankings for Fernando

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

#1852021

#1602022

#1652023

Texas (TX)

#1712021

#1722022

#1562023

New York (NY)

#5952021

#5982022

#5832023

Arizona (AZ)

#1952021

#2092022

#1862023

Illinois (IL)

#4402021

#2882022

#3342023

Florida (FL)

#3982021

#3412022

#3492023

New Jersey (NJ)

#4742021

#3802022

#3922023

New Mexico (NM)

#2282021

#1922022

#3652023

Georgia (GA)

#4392021

#4882022

#6262023

Colorado (CO)

#3042021

#3052022

#2662023

Washington (WA)

#4722021

#5862022

#3662023

North Carolina (NC)

#3662021

#5502022

#4232023

Nevada (NV)

#2652021

#2772022

#4582023

Michigan (MI)

#8462020

#7192022

#6082023

Massachusetts (MA)

#6132021

#4522022

#6282023

Virginia (VA)

#6392021

#4522022

#5552023

Oregon (OR)

#3382021

#4992022

#4572023

Pennsylvania (PA)

#11532021

#10382022

#10362023

Indiana (IN)

#6132021

#6702022

#6142023

Maryland (MD)

#5422021

#6032022

#3852023

Ohio (OH)

#11602020

#8772022

#6452023

Utah (UT)

#3852019

#5642020

#5282021

Oklahoma (OK)

#3762020

#2982021

#5822023

Wisconsin (WI)

#6292021

#4402022

#8212023

Connecticut (CT)

#4792015

#3292016

#4542021

Kansas (KS)

#4692021

#5992022

#3852023

Tennessee (TN)

#5672021

#4312022

#6152023

Alabama (AL)

#6262021

#5262022

#6492023

Minnesota (MN)

#5142020

#7662022

#6742023

South Carolina (SC)

#6452021

#5372022

#6602023

Nebraska (NE)

#4572020

#3632022

#2532023

Arkansas (AR)

#4472019

#5052020

#4432023

Idaho (ID)

#4202017

#3132018

#3712022

Iowa (IA)

#3812018

#5222021

#4852022

Missouri (MO)

#8752020

#8962021

#7612023

Louisiana (LA)

#8482021

#6082022

#4982023

Kentucky (KY)

#6272015

#6762019

#7122022

District of Columbia (DC)

#2402008

#2222013

#2592015

Rhode Island (RI)

#1912008

#2002011

#2072018

Mississippi (MS)

#5872008

#5912009

#5422014

Hawaii (HI)

#2411955

#2321977

Delaware (DE)

#2012008

#2182022

Popularity Rankings for Fernando in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Mexico

Mexico

#192020

#172021

Popularity in Brazil

Brazil

#181990 (Decade)

Popularity in Uruguay

Uruguay

#542021

#472022

#662023

Popularity in Galicia, Spain

Galicia, Spain

#502001

#502003

Popularity in Chile

Chile

#612019

#642020

#672021

Popularity in Portugal

Portugal

#702012

Popularity in Spain

Spain

#772020

#832021

#922022

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico

#1442021

#792022

#1122023

Popularity in Argentina

Argentina

#1422013

#1432014

#1312015

Popularity in France

France

#1551972

#1661973

#1861974

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland

#3471975

#3471976

#4921983

Popularity in Germany

Germany

#4202011

#4782012

Popularity in Poland

Poland

#7292013

#5102014

#5982019

Popularity in Norway

Norway

#5661995

#5392004

#5232013

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland

#7552021

#7702023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada

#8532016

#8212018

#9442022

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland

#9152020

#8692021

#8272022

Popularity in Canada

Canada

#8832017

#11882019

#10622021

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Fernando a Name for Boys or Girls?

Usually, boys are named Fernando because it has a masculine sound and historical usage.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Fernando

Ferdinand
Fernand
Hernando
Nando
Fernão

Fern
Nando
Ferdie
Nano
Nani

Fer
Nandito
Fernie
Nandy
Ferni

Fernando in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

Fernando Alonso (Racing Driver, born 1981): A Spanish Formula One racing driver who has won two World Championships.
Fernando Torres (Soccer Player, born 1984): A Spanish professional soccer player famous for his time at Liverpool and the Spanish national team.
Fernando Botero (Artist, born 1932): A Colombian artist and sculptor renowned for his distinctive style depicting people and figures in large, exaggerated volumes.
Fernando Pessoa (Poet, 1888–1935): A Portuguese poet and writer, celebrated as one of the most significant literary figures of the 20th century.
Fernando Valenzuela (Baseball Player, born 1960): A Mexican former Major League Baseball pitcher who achieved great success with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Fernando Meirelles (Director, born 1955): A Brazilian film director known for his work on critically acclaimed films such as "City of God."
Fernando Hierro (Soccer Player, born 1968): A Spanish former professional soccer player and manager, known for his time with Real Madrid and the Spanish national team.
Fernando Lamas (Actor, 1915–1982): An Argentine-American actor and director noted for his work in Hollywood films and television.

Fernando Sucre ("Prison Break," 2005 TV Series): A loyal friend and cellmate who helps the protagonist in his escape plan.
Fernando Torres ("Goal II: Living the Dream," 2007 Film): A Spanish footballer playing himself in this sports drama.
"Fernando" (1976 Song by ABBA): A popular song that reminisces about a past love and the freedom of youth.
Fernando Mendoza ("Narcos," 2015 TV Series): A drug lord who plays a pivotal role in the show's intense storyline.
Fernando Castillo ("The Ministry of Time," 2015 TV Series): A time-traveling agent working to protect Spain's historical timeline.
Fernando Meirelles ("City of God," 2002 Film): A renowned Brazilian film director known for his impactful storytelling.
Fernando ("Ferdinand," 2017 Film): A peaceful bull who prefers smelling flowers over fighting in bullfights.

San Fernando City (La Union, Philippines): A coastal city in the Ilocos region, serving as a major hub for commerce and tourism.
Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (Pernambuco, Brazil): A volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, famous for its stunning beaches and marine life.
San Fernando Valley (California, USA): An urbanized valley in Los Angeles County, known for its diverse communities and entertainment industry.
San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca (Catamarca, Argentina): The capital city of Catamarca Province, nestled at the foothills of the Andes mountains.
San Fernando City (Pampanga, Philippines): A vibrant city in Central Luzon, serving as the regional center for commerce and industry.
Fernando Park (Montevideo, Uruguay): A green space in the capital city, offering recreational facilities and scenic views.

Sibling Names for Fernando

For a Brother
For a Sister

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This name Fernando really stands out. If you have more questions or need more suggestions, just let me know. Until next time!

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

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2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

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Fernando Name Meaning