NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance has announced that one of six new Sydney ferries, named "Ferry McFerryface", will be renamed, following revelations his unpopular choice was a captain's pick rather than a public favourite.

On Tuesday afternoon it was announced that the vessel would be renamed after one of the other nominees, Australian children's book illustrator and author May Gibbs.

Gibbs, who died in 1969, is best known for her books featuring the Gumnut Babies, including her popular 1918 Tales of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie.

Mr Constance, who favoured the name for its comical appeal for children, said in a statement that this wouldn't change under the new title.