Fergus

“man,”

Ireland origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#4501US 2023

23Births / yr

↑Rising

462All-time births

📅 Since 191600

How to pronounce Fergus

FER·gus

/ˈfɝ.ɡəs/ · stress on FER · 2 syllables

“man,”

Ireland origin · Boy name

What does Fergus mean and where does it come from?

Fergus is an ancient name derived from the Gaelic elements 'fear,' meaning 'man,' and 'gus,' meaning 'vigor' or 'strength.' It is primarily a Scottish and Irish name, historically used by many kings and noble families. The first recorded use of the name dates back to the 6th century, associated with

Cultural significance

Fergus has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of irish.

Peak popularity

Reached #2870 in 1918 — currently #4501 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Fergus?

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

Fergus Grace

How popular is Fergus right now?

Rising fast — up 2450 spots — currently #4501 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1925–2023#4501 · Top 3.3%

1925

1930

1965

1970

1995

2000

2005

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#4501	23	▲ up 2450 · +92% births
2022	#6951	12	▼ down 2419 · -45% births
2021	#4532	22	▲ up 1750 · +69% births
2020	#6282	13	▼ down 1724 · -38% births
2015	#4558	21	▲ up 7083 · +320% births
2005	#11641	5	▼ down 6807 · -67% births
2000	#4834	15	▲ up 2274 · +114% births
1995	#7108	7	▼ down 2131 · +40% births
1970	#4977	5	▼ down 1273 · -17% births
1965	#3704	6	▲ up 612 · +20% births
1930	#4316	5	▲ up 268
1925	#4584	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Fergus

Best Year1965Rank #3704

Peak Count23

Average Rank#5666

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1925 - 202312 years

The story of Fergus

Fergus entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. With 462 total births recorded, Fergus remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4584 in 1925 to #4501 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Fergus in 1918:

John William James Robert Charles

Fergus by decade

Fergus peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	23
1920s	22
1930s	15
1940s	5
1950s	20
1960s	35
1970s	30
1980s	6
1990s	60
2000s	91
2010s ★	142
2020s	13

💎Fergus has only 462 total recorded births since 1916 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Fergus?

SCOTTISH

Fergie

What names sound and feel like Fergus?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Fergus also consider these

How is Fergus written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Fergus

What does the name Fergus mean?

Fergus means "Irish" — a name rooted in Ireland 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 Fergus?

Fergus is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Fergus have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Fergus?

Fergus originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Fergus?

Fergus is a two-syllable name pronounced F ER1 G AH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Fergus trending right now?

Fergus is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.