Ferguson
A Scottish and northern English surname meaning “son of Fergus,” from an old Gaelic personal name.
The #188 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 2,109 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Ferguson is a patronymic surname built from the personal name Fergus plus the suffix -son, meaning “son of.” Fergus comes from Gaelic elements usually explained as “man” and “vigour” or “strength,” so the name has long been associated with force or virility. In plain terms, Ferguson originally meant a descendant or son of a man named Fergus.
History
The surname is especially associated with Scotland, where Fergus was an early and important personal name and the family name became established relatively early. It spread widely through Scotland and into England, then further through later migration to Ireland, North America, and other English-speaking regions. The name is also well known through historic Scottish clans and a number of notable bearers, including writers, politicians, and athletes.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The related personal name Fergus is old enough to have a legendary feel, but Ferguson itself is a straightforward medieval-style “son of” surname.
From the historical record
“Bubb, Bub. — Bapt ' the son of Bubb.' Lower, quoting Ferguson, says: 'Bubba, an ancient Teutonic !.' I would, however, suggest in some caBes.like Babb(q.v. \ B nicic of Barbara, a ravourile fontal name in the surname period.”
— A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, with special American instances