Ferdinand

German and French: from a Spanish (Visigothic) personal name composed of the elements farð ‘journey’, ‘expedition’ (or a metathesized form of frið ‘peace’) + nanð ‘daring’, ‘brave’. The surname is of comparatively recent origin in German-speaking countries and in France, for the personal name was not introduced from Spain 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. The 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.