Message: "Ferdinand" - Behind the Name

[Opinions] Ferdinand

by Ohad Yigal

10/10/2023, 12:26 PM

I know most young westerners are nowadays exposed to the name "Ferdinand" only in their school textbooks, but I wonder, do you think Ferdinand could be used in a contemporary English-speaking context, not just as a fancy middle name?

#Ferdinand

Replies

- ari.

10/11/2023, 2:01 AM

Yes, I don't see why not.

- Manipura (glaucous)

10/10/2023, 5:40 PM

Sure, I like it. I just think most Americans would think it's clunky compared to Fernando which has more use, and the pronunciation is more ambiguous (I don't pronounce it the English way according to BtN; it's maybe more like the Dutch pronunciation).

This message was edited 10/10/2023, 5:58 PM

- honeyberry04

10/10/2023, 5:10 PM

I love it! I think it could fit in very uniformly with names like Sebastian, Alexander, Frederick, etc. Even Ferdy is growing in me a bit, at least on a baby/toddler. Maybe he could use the nn Fred when he’s older?

- New_Chloë (New_Chloe) +1

10/10/2023, 4:22 PM

I love Ferdinand, more from the story about the gentle bull. It was one of my favorite storybooks as a kid, I thought it was so beautiful.

I think it could work in a contemporary English speaking context, sure! They could always go by "Andy".

- Anneza

10/11/2023, 12:06 AM

One of my prized possessions is a translation of Ferdinand the Bull into, of all languages, Latin! Ferdinandus Taurus, no less.

- JemimahGertrude

10/10/2023, 2:42 PM

It's another first name that I like in full only. I also prefer the form Fernando - also in full. I definitely think it is usable internationally.

This message was edited 10/10/2023, 2:44 PM

- Wraith (guest)

10/10/2023, 2:22 PM

Actually ran across an English Ferdinand recently who went by Ferdy. Worked for him.

- Wordsmith

10/10/2023, 12:59 PM

Sure! Ben Kingsley has a son named Ferdinand. I adore the name.

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