Ferris is of Old German origin, derived from the word 'Faris', which means 'journey' or 'travel'. It was initially a personal name, but later evolved into a surname. The name gained popularity through the character Ferris Bueller in the 1985 film 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off', played by Matthew Broderick. In some cultures, it is considered unique and distinctive.
The name Ferris experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. It peaked during World War I and II, with 42 births in both 1918 and 1942. However, it has become much less common since the mid-20th century, with fewer than 35 births recorded annually between 1963 and 1994. In recent years, there has been a slight resurgence, with totals reaching as high as 50 in 2022. Overall, Ferris has been used for 2742 babies since 1893.