Fermi
/ˈfɛr.mi/noun
A surname, most famously associated with the Italian physicist Enrico Fermi.
Did you know?Fermi is an Italian surname probably derived from the Latin personal name Firmus, meaning “firm” or “steadfast,” so the famous physicist’s name ultimately points to endurance rather than mystery.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
Firmus
“Firm, strong, steadfast”
Late Latin / Medieval Italian
Italian
Fermo
“A personal name and adjective meaning firm, fixed, or still”
Medieval Italy
Italian
Fermi
“A surname formed from the personal name or adjective”
20th Century
English
Fermi
“The surname of Enrico Fermi, the physicist; also used in scientific terms like Fermi energy and Fermi paradox”