Ferguson

“Son of Fergus.”

Scotland origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#10068US 2023

7Births / yr

↓Falling

116All-time births

📅 Since 191400

How to pronounce Ferguson

FER·gus·un

/ˈfɝ.ɡəs.ən/ · stress on FER · 3 syllables

“Son of Fergus.”

Scotland origin · Boy name

What does Ferguson mean and where does it come from?

Ferguson is a patronymic surname from the Scottish Gaelic 'MacFhearghas,' which means 'son of Fergus.' The name Fergus itself is derived from the Gaelic elements 'fear,' meaning 'man,' and 'gus,' meaning 'vigor' or 'strength.' The name has historical roots in Scotland and is primarily seen there and

Cultural significance

Ferguson has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of fergus..

Peak popularity

Reached #3184 in 1914 — currently #10068 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Ferguson?

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

Ferguson Grace

How popular is Ferguson right now?

Falling — down 815 spots — currently #10068 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1925–2023#10068 · Top 7.4%

1925

1935

1970

1995

2005

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#10068	7	▼ down 815 · -12% births
2022	#9253	8	▲ up 3478 · +60% births
2021	#12731	5	▼ down 3187 · -29% births
2020	#9544	7	▲ up 2063 · +40% births
2005	#11607	5	▼ down 2584
1995	#9023	5	▼ down 4098
1970	#4925	5	▼ down 1044
1935	#3881	5	▲ up 595
1925	#4476	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ferguson

Best Year1935Rank #3881

Peak Count8

Average Rank#8390

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1925 - 20239 years

The story of Ferguson

Ferguson entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 116 total births recorded, Ferguson remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4476 in 1925, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10068 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Ferguson in 1914:

John William James Robert Joseph

Ferguson by decade

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

Decade	Births
1910s	12
1920s	17
1930s	5
1950s	10
1970s	10
1980s	11
1990s	5
2000s	5
2010s ★	34
2020s	7

💎Ferguson has only 116 total recorded births since 1914 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Ferguson?

Common

FerFeUson

What names sound and feel like Ferguson?

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

Fergerson

Latin · A Latin name

Furgeson

International · A International name

Jerrison

England · spear ruler

Jameison

Scotland · son of James

Scotland · Son of William

Mathison

Scotland · son of Matthew

Common questions about the name Ferguson

What does the name Ferguson mean?

Ferguson means "Son of Fergus." — a name rooted in Scotland 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 Ferguson?

Ferguson is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Ferguson?

Ferguson originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland 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 Ferguson?

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

What sibling names go well with Ferguson?

Ferguson pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Scotland heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.