Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Ferris
BoyIrish, English· “variant of Fergus, or Pierce”
- Meaning
- variant of Fergus, or Pierce (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Irish, English
- Pronunciation
- FEH-rihs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,149
- US babies 2025
- 38
- Best rank
- #765 (1902)
- Peak year
- 2024
Meaning and origin of Ferris
Ferris is often said to mean “variant of Fergus, or Pierce”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish and English roots.
Ferris is an English and Irish surname with uncertain origins. It may come from the Irish Fearghus, Fergus, meaning man of strength, or from the Norman surname Ferrers, from the Latin ferrum, iron, referring to an ironworker. The Ferris wheel is named after George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., who built the first one for the Chicago World's Fair. Ferris Bueller, from the film Ferris Bueller's Day Off, is another famous association. It is said FEH-rihs. Fergus and Farris are related names.
Other spellings with the same sound: Farris, Faris.
Popularity over time
Ferris first appears in US Social Security records in 1893. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 8 different years, starting in 1893. Its best national rank was #765 in 1902, and the most babies received it in 2024, when 57 were named Ferris. In 2025, 38 babies were named Ferris, and it ranked #3,149 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,167 in 1920, #1,405 in 1950, #4,639 in 1980, #6,046 in 2000, #4,407 in 2010, and #3,149 in 2025. Of the 2,837 US boys named Ferris since records began, 15% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 346 babies. Since 2010, 609 more have been named Ferris.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Bowman, Hart, Coda, Elder, and Teodoro.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ferris ranked highest in Michigan and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | #1029 | 6 |
| California | #2287 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 88% of US babies named Ferris over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Ferris is usually pronounced FEH-rihs, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with F and ends in “-is”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Farris and Faris.
Middle names for Ferris
A few middle names that flow with Ferris: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ferris
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Lists that include Ferris
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ferris mean?
Ferris is often said to mean “variant of Fergus, or Pierce”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish and English roots.
What is the origin of the name Ferris?
Ferris has Irish and English roots. Ferris is an English and Irish surname with uncertain origins.
Is Ferris a popular name?
Not especially. Ferris ranked #3,149 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Ferris a boy or girl name?
Ferris is mainly a boy's name. About 88% of US babies named Ferris over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Ferris?
Ferris is usually pronounced FEH-rihs. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings