Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Fernando

Fernando is the Spanish, Portuguese and Italian equivalent of the name Ferdinand which has Germanic origins. Ferdinand is derived from the words “farṍ” meaning ‘journey’ and “nand” meaning ‘prepared, ready’ hence the implication of an adventure. The Spanish royals adopted Ferdinand during the medieval period, and it arrived in England by the 16th century (thanks to Queen Mary I who happened to be married to the King of Spain, Philip II). Fernando eventually developed as another Spanish version of the name Ferdinand. Fernando was ranked the 15th most popular boy’s name in Mexico in 2010 and #56 in Spain in 2009. The name is also quite popular throughout South America.

All About the Baby Name – Fernando

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME FERNANDO

The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change.  Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy.  This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive. 

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME FERNANDO

As illustrated on the popularity graph below, the name Fernando follows a similar pattern as many other Spanish names in America – the usage has been steadily rising along with the Hispanic/Latino population in the United States. There are a few other Spanish names close to the ranking of Fernando in America today. Not super-popular like José, Xavier or Juan – but holding their own among the masses – such as Fernando, Javier, Ricardo and Francisco. The poetic three-syllable sounds of these male names simply dance off the tongue. Not surprisingly, Fernando has already reached a spot on the Top 100 list of most-commonly used boy names in the states of California and Texas where the Latino populations are substantial. Fernando does sound like a name that belongs to an “adventure-seeking” boy – full of romance and courage. Better keep your eye on this one, because all the girls will want to run away with him! It is also interesting to note that the numerology number associated with Fernando is Five – the adventurous personality!

Quick Facts

ON FERNANDO

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Italian

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

253

PRONUNCIATION:

fer-NAN-doh

SIMPLE MEANING:

Adventurous, daring

Characteristics

OF FERNANDO

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Fernando

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME FERNANDO

Fernando is a character in Ernest Hemingway’s classic novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls, published in 1940 (and made into a film of the same name in 1943). Based on the Spanish Civil War, it features an American who fights on the side of the Republicans in the cruel and bloody war. The character of the guerilla fighter, Fernando, provides much needed comic relief, with his constant need for dignity in all endeavors. There is something touching about his insistence, in the heart of the fierce brutality of the war, that the men not curse in front of Maria. Maria has been raped and has seen her parents murdered by the enemy – she is probably capable of enduring the occasional obscenity. Yet, there is a hint of nobility in this old world throwback who tries to maintain a semblance of civility in the midst of chaos. For his troubles he is ridiculed, yet he dies for the cause.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME FERNANDO

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Fernando


Popular Songs

ON FERNANDO

Bianca e Fernando
an opera by Vincenzo Bellini

San Fernando Valley
a song by Bing Crosby

Fernando
a song by Abba

Famous People

NAMED FERNANDO

Fernando Cabrera (baseball player)
Fernando De Lucia (opera singer)
Fernando Gallego (Spanish painter)
Fernando Henrique Cardoso (former Brazilian President)
Fernando Rielo (Spanish poet)
Fernando Valenzuela (baseball player)
Fernando Vargas (boxer)
Fernando Verdasco (Spanish tennis player)

Children of Famous People

NAMED FERNANDO

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Fernando

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME FERNANDO

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Fernando