Fernow (surname)

Fernow is a German surname. It is relatively uncommon.

The origin of the name is geographical, derived from a place name. The root likely comes from the Old High German "farn," meaning "fern," combined with a suffix denoting a place where ferns grow. Thus, "Fernow" likely indicated someone who lived near a place characterized by an abundance of ferns.

Notable people with the surname Fernow include:

• Bernhard Fernow (1851-1923): A German-American forestry pioneer. He is considered one of the founders of professional forestry in North America. He served as the first chief of the United States Division of Forestry (later the United States Forest Service).

The surname is primarily found in Germany and the United States, reflecting patterns of German immigration. Variations in spelling are rare.