The Female fern, or Athyrium filix-femina, is a majestic and elegant plant much loved by gardeners and botanists alike. As with any other plant, there are a number of synonyms and related terms that may be used to refer to this delightful fern. Some of the most common synonyms for the Female fern include Lady fern, Shield fern, and Common lady fern. These all refer to the same species of fern, but may be used regionally or by different groups of enthusiasts. Other related terms may include references to the genus Athyrium, or to the broader family of ferns known as Athyriaceae.