Ferdinand is a Germanic name composed of the elements farð "journey, travel", Proto-Germanic *farthi, abstract noun from root *far- "to fare, travel" (PIE *par, "to lead, pass over"), and nanth "courage" or nand "ready, prepared" related to Old High German nendan "to risk, venture."

It became popular in German-speaking Europe only from the 16th century, with Habsburg rule over Spain.

The French forms are Ferrand, Fernand, and Fernandel, and it is Ferdinando and Fernando in Italian.

There are numerous short forms in many languages, such as the Finnish Veeti.

There is a feminine Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian form, Fernanda.