Fergal

brave man
Irish origin · Boy name
97% boys3% girls
#1991US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.5%Percentile

What does Fergal mean and where does it come from?

Fergal is derived from the Old Irish name 'Fearghal', composed of the elements 'fear' meaning 'man' and 'gal' meaning 'bravery'.

Cultural significance
Fergal is a traditional name in Ireland, often associated with historical figures and Gaelic nobility.
Peak popularity
Reached #1991 in 2015 — currently #1991 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →

How else can you spell Fergal?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Fergal?

Fergal works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Fergal Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Fergal John
One syllable · timeless choice
Fergal Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Fergal Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Fergal Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Fergal Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
👶
Middle Names
The best middle names for Fergal
Browse ideas →

How popular is Fergal right now?

Holding steady — currently #1991 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1991 · Top 1.5%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#199110stable
2022#199110stable
2021#199110stable
2020#199110stable
2019#199110
💎Fergal is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Fergal?

Common
FerFeErgal

Famous people named Fergal

FK
Fergal Keane
An acclaimed Irish journalist and author known for his war reporting.
FO
Fergal O'Brien
A professional snooker player from Ireland.
FS
Fergal Sharkey
A musician and former lead singer of the band The Undertones.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →

How is Fergal written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Fergal

What does the name Fergal mean?
Fergal means "brave man" — a name rooted in Irish tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Fergal?
Fergal is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Fergal?
Fergal originates from Irish tradition. Irish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Fergal a common or rare name?
Fergal is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Fergal more of a girl or boy name?
Fergal is primarily used as a boy name, giving it a clear, timeless character while remaining accessible to modern families.