Fun Facts About the Name Ferguson
- 146 babies named Ferguson: U.S. records list 146 babies given the name Ferguson from 1880 through 2025.
What Does the Name Ferguson Mean?
Ferguson is a Scottish patronymic surname meaning "son of Fergus," from Scottish Gaelic Mac Fhearghusa. The personal name behind it is Fearghus (Old Irish Fergus), formed from fear, "man," and gus, "vigor" or "strength"; it is commonly explained as "man of vigor." The English surname uses the patronymic ending -son in place of the Gaelic mac construction. As a given name, Ferguson is a transferred use of the surname rather than a traditional Gaelic first name.
Ferguson Name History & Origins
The surname developed from the Gaelic patronymic Mac Fhearghusa, "son of Fearghus." In Gaelic naming, mac marked the father's name, and the father's name appeared in the genitive case; Fearghus becomes Fearghusa in that construction. English records rendered the name in several forms, including MacFergus, Fergusson, and Ferguson. The -son form is an English-style patronymic, while the Mac- forms preserve the Gaelic marker.
The personal name Fearghus was used in both Ireland and Scotland. In Scotland it was common enough that patronymics from it became hereditary surnames, especially in areas with Gaelic-speaking populations. The historical Fergus of Galloway, a twelfth-century ruler, is one notable bearer of the personal name; the legendary Ulster Cycle figure Fergus mac Róich is a literary association rather than a documented ancestor of the surname.
As a first name, Ferguson is a transferred surname. It belongs to the broad English-language practice of using family surnames as given names, and it does not have a separate medieval given-name history of its own.
How Popular is the Name Ferguson?
Ferguson has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 2019. Its best rank was #3,032 in 1914.
U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | #12,631 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2024 | #12,861 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2023 | #10,068 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2022 | #9,253 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 2021 | #12,731 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2020 | #9,891 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2019 | #9,147 | 8 | 0.0004% |
| 2018 | #11,214 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2017 | #10,039 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2013 | #10,002 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2012 | #11,243 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2005 | #12,010 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1995 | #9,308 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1988 | #6,686 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1986 | #7,076 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1977 | #6,174 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1970 | #4,951 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1954 | #4,007 | 5 | 0.0002% |
| 1951 | #3,888 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1935 | #3,846 | 5 | 0.0005% |
| 1926 | #3,506 | 7 | 0.0006% |
| 1925 | #4,441 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 1922 | #4,527 | 5 | 0.0005% |
| 1917 | #3,698 | 6 | 0.0006% |
| 1914 | #3,032 | 6 | 0.0009% |
Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.
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How the Name Ferguson Shapes Your Personality and Life?
You are kind, home-loving, hospitable and friendly. Since you take responsibility well, you are a good organizer of social affairs. Compassion for others is an outstanding trait. You are a great lover and a great flirt – an artist, musician, actor, teacher, nurse. Your character can be contradictory. You are practical, yet idealistic and intuitive; capable of selfless devotion to someone you love, yet look to receive payback. You have an eventful, exciting life. You are versatile and have the ability to learn easily.
You find the best contentment in life when you own your own home and provide well for your family and loved ones. You have a great sense of responsibility and duty. You are comforting, appreciative and affectionate. Your obligation in life is to hold justice and truth, and if you follow the Law, you can find the great happiness and satisfaction.
✦ Ferguson's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Ferguson's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.