Ferguson is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "Ferghuis" which means "strong" or "manly". The name has been associated with Scotland for centuries and was popularized by the Ferguson clan, who were known for their bravery and valor in battle.
The Ferguson surname is believed to have originated from one of two places: either from a village called Ferguslie near Paisley in Renfrewshire, or from the Gaelic word "Ferghuis" meaning "manly". The name was also associated with several prominent figures throughout history, including Sir Alexander Ferguson who fought alongside Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Today, Ferguson is still a popular name in Scotland and beyond, often given to boys as a first name or used as a surname. While it may not be one of the most common names, it remains a distinctive and proud choice for parents looking for a strong, historic name with deep Scottish roots.
Statistics on the given name Ferguson in the United States reveal an intriguing pattern over time. The earliest recorded year with multiple births for this name was 1914, with six newborns sharing the moniker.
Over the next few decades, there were several years with a significant number of babies named Ferguson. For instance, five boys were born with this name in both 1922 and 1925, while seven Ferguson's entered the world in 1926. However, there was a notable dip in popularity during the mid-20th century, with only five births each in 1951, 1954, and 1970.
Interestingly, since the late 1980s, there has been an uptick in the usage of Ferguson as a given name. There were six births in both 1988 and 2012, with peaks of eight newborns in 2019 and seven each in 2020 and 2023.
In total, there have been 136 babies named Ferguson born in the United States since 1914. This data provides insight into the fluctuating popularity of this unique name over time.