Rising since 1991, #5,045 for boys today.
Popularity of Fergus since 1916
Babies named Fergus per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 23 |
| 1920s | 22 |
| 1930s | 15 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 20 |
| 1960s | 36 |
| 1970s | 30 |
| 1980s | 11 |
| 1990s | 60 |
| 2000s | 91 |
| 2010s | 142 |
| 2020s | 113 |
Meaning & origin
Fergus is a traditional Scottish and Irish name with strong historical roots, though it has never been common in the United States. As of 2025, it ranked 5,045th in popularity, with only 1 in every 89,899 newborn boys receiving the name. The name reached its peak U.S. popularity in 2024, a notable shift since its first recorded appearance in 1916. Its trajectory has been rising since 1991, suggesting a slow but steady increase in interest among American parents seeking distinctive yet classic names. Despite its low overall rank, Fergus carries a strong cultural resonance, evoking the legendary hero Fergus mac Róich and the long tradition of Gaelic names revived in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Fergus is an Anglicized form of the Old Irish name Fergus or Fearghus, composed of the elements fear 'man' and gus 'vigor, strength, choice'. It was borne by several early Irish kings and legendary figures, including Fergus mac Róich, a hero of the Ulster Cycle. The name remained common in Scotland and Ireland throughout the Middle Ages and has seen a revival in modern times.
“Fergus” around the world
Where Fergus lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
New Zealand
40
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Fergie, Gus
Variants: Fearghus, Fearchar
Sibling names for Fergus
Names that share Fergus's style, for a brother or sister.
