Fergus Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Fergus is a name of Scottish Gaelic origin, meaning 'man of strength'. It evolved from the ancient Gaelic 'Fearghas' and has historical significance in Scotland and Ireland, being linked to notable figures. It is not directly biblical. While its popularity has waned in recent years, it retains a strong cultural image.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Fergus"
Pronunciation
/ˈfɜːrɡəs/
Origin
Scottish Gaelic
Etymology
The name Fergus is derived from the Scottish Gaelic name 'Fearghas', which is composed of the elements 'fear' meaning 'man' and 'gas' meaning 'vigor' or 'strength'. Thus, it can be interpreted as 'man of strength'.
Meaning
man of strength
Language Evolution
Fearghas, Fergus, Fergie
Historical Usage
Fergus gained popularity in Scotland and Ireland during the early medieval period, often associated with various kings and legendary figures. Its usage spread as a given name among the Gaelic-speaking populations.
Variants & Derivatives
Fergie, Fearghas, Ferg
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Fergus is seen as a traditional name with a strong, historical connotation. It is less common but still appreciated for its cultural heritage.
Famous People
Fergus O'Farrell, Irish singer-songwriter, Fergus McCann, Scottish businessman
📊 Fergus Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Fergus Name Visualizations
✨ Fergus Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 23 peak births in 2023
Geographic Spread
Popular across 2 US states, with strongest presence in Minnesota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Fergus"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Fergus"
"Fergus" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 4493rd of 7545 | 45 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 5592nd of 6773 | 15 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4746th of 7552 | 40 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5640th of 10718 | 50 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 9536th of 16616 | 37 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 7408th of 24088 | 146 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 5229th of 23106 | 214 |
Regional Popularity of "Fergus" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
91.44% 1261st/1379 |
- | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
79.99% 3187th/3984 |
- | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Fergus" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Fergus"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Fergus" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Fergus" in the United States
The name Fergus is most popular in Minnesota, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Fergus has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast. Across generations, 'Fergus' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 4493rd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 5592nd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4746th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5640th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 9536th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 7408th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5229th out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Fergus' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.