Surname Fergusson - Meaning and Origin

Fergusson: What does the surname Fergusson mean?

The last name Fergusson is of Scottish origin and is derived from the personal name Fergus. The name Fergus itself has Gaelic roots, coming from the words "fear" meaning "man" and "gus" meaning "vigor" or "force", hence implies a person of strength or power. In the medieval Gaelic world, Fergus was a popular name among royalty and nobility, leading to the creation of the surname. While traditionally spelled “Fergusson”, it has various alternate spellings, including Ferguson and Fergus. It is quite widespread in Scotland, especially in Perthshire and Aberdeenshire. People bearing the surname Fergusson or its variants have a rich history and have made significant contributions in several sectors such as in military, politics, arts, science and sports throughout the centuries.

Fergusson: Where does the name Fergusson come from?

The last name Fergusson is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic personal name 'Fergus'. The name Fergus was widely popular among early Irish and Scottish Gaelic Christians, in homage to a 6th-century saint of that name from County Down, Northern Ireland. The name Fergus means 'man strength' or 'virility'. The use of 'son' at the end is a patronymic suffix denoting 'son of Fergus'. This surname was especially common in counties Ayrshire and Dumfriesshire in Scotland.

Today, the Fergusson surname is widespread but it is still notably prevalent in Scotland, particularly in regions where the Fergussons historically held considerable lands and titles, such as Perthshire. Variations of the surname (Ferguson, Fergusson) are also found in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand due to Scottish diaspora. The name's prevalence in these places is often attributed to immigration patterns during and after the Highland Clearances in the 18th and 19th centuries, when many Scottish people relocated to these countries. Consequently, Fergusson is less common in non-English speaking countries.

Variations of the surname Fergusson

The surname Fergusson, primarily Scottish in origin, derives from the personal name Fergus. It means "Son of Fergus" and has numerous alternative spellings and variations due to regional differences and phonetic interpretations. Some common variants include Ferguson, Fergusson, Fergie, Fergis, Fergushill, Fergussill, Fergusson, and Fergus.

The addition or omission of ‘s’ at the end of the root name 'Fergus' is a typical variation seen in 'Fergusson' and 'Ferguson.' Shortened versions like 'Fergie' are known nicknames or diminutives of the name. The versions Fergushill and Fergussill typically indicate a geographical element added to the surname.

These variations are common not only in Scotland but also in countries where Scottish populations have migrated, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. There might be minor variations in these surnames in non-English speaking countries due to language and phonetic differences.

It's also important to note that the name Fergus from which this surname originates means ‘man-strength’ or ‘virility’ in Gaelic. Despite different spellings and slight variations, all versions of the surname carry this inherent meaning.

Famous people with the name Fergusson

• Adam Fergusson: A British journalist, author, and former Conservative Party politician.
• Alexander Fergusson: A Scottish National Party (SNP) politician who served as Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament.
• James Fergusson: A noted British author and architecture critic.
• Maynard Fergusson: A Canadian jazz trumpeter and bandleader, known for his stratospheric playing in high octaves.
• Nile Fergusson: A British historian and professor, known for his commentary on international history and economic policies.
• Anna Fergusson: A New Zealand actress known for her role in the television series "The Cul De Sac."
• Robert Fergusson: An influential Scottish poet of the 18th century.
• Daniel Fergusson: A former Canadian international rugby player.
• John Fergusson: A New Zealand rugby union player.
• Ruby Fergusson: A British author, known for her Jill books series.

Other surnames

Fergussill