Surname Ferguson - Meaning and Origin

How my iGENEA DNA Test Breathed Life into the Ferguson Surname and Transformed my Family Identity

From a simple surname to a connection to far-reaching ancestors, the iGenia DNA test has transformed my perspective on the Ferguson name and all it entails. It connected me to age-old Vikings and gave hints of links to Eastern Europe, expanding my family identity far beyond what I had ever imagined. Discovering my lineage was not just an enlightening experience but a journey through time, fostering a greater sense of belonging and identity.

E. Ferguson

Ferguson: What does the surname Ferguson mean?

The surname Ferguson originates from Scotland and is known to have both Gaelic and Celtic origins. The name itself is derived from two elements, “Fergus” and “son”, which mean “son of Fergus”. The name Fergus is a combination of two Gaelic words “fear” meaning "man" and "gus" meaning "strength" or "ability". Therefore, Ferguson generally translates to "son of the man of strength or ability". The Ferguson clan has a significant history throughout both south and north of Scotland. They were scattered across the country and recognized for their military prowess. Many people with this surname can trace back their lineage to Fergus, the King of Dalriada, a historical Scottish Kingdom, in the 5th century. The name is also known to have variations like Fergusson and Fergie. Today, it is common in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, Canada, Australia and the UK.

Ferguson: Where does the name Ferguson come from?

The last name Ferguson is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic "Macfhearghuis" which is a patronymic form of the personal name Fergus, meaning "son of the angry (one)" or "son of Fergus". This name was popular among the Celts due to Fergus, a legendary character who was an early King of Ulster. The use of ‘Mac’ was eventually dropped and the remaining 'Fhearghuis' transformed into Ferguson in its anglicized form.

Ferguson is the 34th most common surname in Scotland and also gained prevalence in Ireland due to Scottish migrant descendants. Today, it has spread throughout English-speaking countries due to migration and British colonial influence and it's quite common in countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In America, it's most populous in the state of Texas.

Variations of the surname Ferguson

The surname Ferguson has several variants and spelling differences. The most common variations include Fergusson, Fergus, Furguson, Furgeson, Fergeson, and Fergison. Its diminutive form includes names such as Fergie or Fergy.

Ferguson is a patronymic surname related to the given name Fergus. Fergus is a Gaelic given name that means "man-strength" or "virility", so the surname Ferguson means "son of Fergus." As a result, other surnames that can be traced back to the same origin due to a common patronymic root include MacFergus, MacFergusson, O'Fergus, Fergus, Fergie, and Ferg.

In various countries and cultures, the surname may also be anglicized or translated differently. For example, in Ireland it might be recorded as O’Fergus, O’Ferris, or Ferris, as the Irish O’ (Ó) also designates "descendant of".

It's essential to note that spelling could have changed drastically over the centuries, with names often being written down phonetically in old documents, leading to variations. Also, family branches may have adopted distinct spellings over time.

Ultimately, these variations can be useful when researching genealogy and tracing the origins and spread of the surname around the world.

Famous people with the name Ferguson

• Alex Ferguson: A legendary soccer manager, Sir Alex Ferguson led Manchester United to numerous championships including the UEFA Champions League and the English Premier League.
• Sarah Ferguson: Famously known as Fergie, she is the former wife of Prince Andrew of the UK and Duchess of York.
• Craig Ferguson: A popular Scottish-American television host, comedian, actor, and author known for hosting "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson".
• Maynard Ferguson: A prominent Canadian jazz trumpeter and bandleader.
• Elsie Ferguson: An early American film and stage actress.
• Rebecca Ferguson: A Swedish actress recognized for her roles in movies like "Mission: Impossible: Rogue Nation" and "The Girl on the Train".
• Stacy Ferguson: Known as Fergie, she is an American singer and songwriter, famous for being a vocalist for the hip hop group, The Black Eyed Peas.
• Jessie Ferguson: A former professional American football player.
• Jay R. Ferguson: An American actor known for his roles in TV series like "Mad Men" and "Evening Shade".
• Clarissa Ferguson: Known as Claire Foy, she is an English actress who starred in Netflix's "The Crown".

Other surnames

FergusFergushillFergussillFergusson