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Home › Baby Names Directory › Fergus

Fergus

♂ Boy

Pronounced FUR-gəs /ˈfɜr.ɡəs/High

Meaning: From Gaelic Fearghus — fear, 'man', plus gus, 'vigor, force' — 'man of vigor/strength'High

In 30 seconds: Vigorous and noble: Fergus is the Gaelic 'man of vigor' — a name of legendary kings. Strong, hearty, and proud.
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Origin HighScottish, Irish
MeaningFrom Gaelic Fearghus — fear, 'man', plus gus, 'vigor, force' — 'man of vigor/strength'
U.S. rank (2025)#5092 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births19 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2023
Total births (all-time)≈ 566

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202419162025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Fergus comes from Gaelic Fearghus — fear, 'man', plus gus, 'vigor, force, choice' — 'man of vigor/strength'. A name of legendary Scottish and Irish kings, hearty and noble.

In the U.S. it appears in Scottish and Irish families. Rare, man-of-vigor at the root, and hearty.

Did you know? Fergus means 'man of vigor, strength' (Gaelic fear + gus) — borne by legendary Irish and Scottish kings (Fergus Mor founded the kingdom of Dál Riata); strong and storied.
Overall data confidence 82%
Behind the Name — Fergus — etymology

Variations

FearghusFerguson

Nicknames

FergieGus

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Fergus…

Angus— a fellow -gus Scottish name
Callum— a companion Scottish classic
Rory— a fellow Gaelic boys' name
Finnick— lands in the same popularity range
Finan— a similarly popular pick

Explore names like Fergus

By themeirishscottish
By meaningStrength

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Fergus mean?

Fergus is Gaelic for 'man of vigor, strength'.

How do you pronounce Fergus?

It's said FUR-gəs /ˈfɜr.ɡəs/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Fergus a boy or girl name?

Fergus is a boy's name.

How popular is Fergus?

Fergus is a rare name in the U.S.

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