Of Germanic origin.
From the old Germanic name Fridunand.
From the name elements “frid”, meaning “protection”, “peace”, “friendship” and “nand”, meaning “bold”, “daring”, and “travel”.
Ferdinand was brought to Spain and Portugal by the Goths and it became a royal name.
Other forms of the name are Ferdi, Fernando, Fernand, Ferrand, Nando, Fernão.
Feminine forms of the name are Ferdinanda, Fernande, Fernanda.
Famous bearers are Ferdinand Magellan, Ferdinand Porsche, Ferdinand de Saussure, Ferdinand Braun.
Watch a short biography of explorer Ferdinand Magellan: