Ferdinand Family History

German French English and West Indian (mainly Haiti): from an ancient Visigothic personal name composed of the elements farthu ‘journey expedition’ (or a metathesized form of frithu ‘peace’) + nanths ‘daring brave’. As a surname this is of comparatively recent origin in German-speaking countries and in France for the personal name was not introduced from Spain (see Fernando) until the late 15th century.

It was brought to Austria by the Habsburg dynasty among whom it was a hereditary name and from Austria it spread to France. Iberian cognates are of more ancient origin and more frequently found today since the name was much favored in the royal house of Castile.

It owes its popularity in large part to King Ferdinand III of Castile and León (1198–1252) who recaptured large areas of Spain from the Moors and was later canonized by the Roman Catholic Church.