Ferguson Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Ferguson come from? What does the surname Ferguson mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Ferguson and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Ferguson Origin: What does the last name Ferguson mean?
Ferguson is an Anglicization of the Scots Gaelic "Macfhearghus", a patronymic form of the personal name Fergus which translates as son of the angry (one). The surname Ferguson first appeared in records from Scotland around the early 14th century and has remained closely associated with Scotland through the 16th century. The frequency of Ferguson family records began to grow significantly in the United States starting from the 17th century, indicating a shift in geographical dispersion over the centuries. Today, the Ferguson surname remains prominent in the United States and is also found in countries like the United Kingdom, demonstrating its global reach.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Ferguson surname in the United Kingdom since the early 14th century. The surname steadily expanded between the 14th and 16th centuries, with records showing its spread to countries like the United States. Today, the Ferguson surname is found in various countries worldwide, reflecting a rich heritage and continued evolution across different regions and cultures.
Ferguson Last Name History: Where did the last name Ferguson come from?
Origin of Ferguson Surname: Where does the last name Ferguson originate from?
Based on the YourRoots database, the surname Ferguson first appeared in records from Scotland, United Kingdom, around the early 14th century. It's important to note that this reflects YourRoots data for the exact Ferguson spelling and does not account for other data sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Ferguson: What does the Ferguson surname history look like in the early days?
The Ferguson surname remained closely associated with Scotland from the 14th through the 16th century. As per the YourRoots data, the frequency of Ferguson family records began to grow significantly in the United States starting from the 17th century, indicating a shift in the geographical dispersion over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Ferguson surname today?
From the 17th to 19th century, the volume of records with the Ferguson surname increased considerably in the United States, surpassing that of the United Kingdom. The Ferguson surname remains prominent in the United States today. The spread of the surname “Ferguson” continues to be seen across many countries, with records in the United Kingdom, United States, and other regions around the world. It is to be noted that the data does not reflect a decrease in the surname’s frequency.
Explore Ferguson last name heritage and Ferguson surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Ferguson Surame?
Tony Ferguson
Anthony Armand Ferguson Padilla (born Feb 12, 1984) is an American professional mixed martial artist known for his time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He was the Interim UFC Lightweight Champion and competed in various martial arts disciplines. With a background in wrestling, boxing, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and Wing Chun, Ferguson's fighting style captivated fans around the world. His impressive win streak and exciting matches solidified his reputation as a top athlete in the sport.
Plessy v. Ferguson
Homer Plessy (Mar 17, 1862 – Mar 1, 1925) was a mixed-race man who became a key figure in the fight against racial segregation in the United States. He was the plaintiff in the famous Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896. Plessy deliberately violated Louisiana's Separate Car Act by boarding a whites-only train car, leading to a legal battle that upheld the doctrine of "separate but equal" facilities for different races. Although the decision was highly controversial and seen as a setback for civil rights, it paved the way for future challenges to segregation laws. Plessy's actions and case are remembered as pivotal moments in the struggle for racial equality.
Jesse Tyler Ferguson
Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Oct 22, 1975 - ) is an American actor known for his role as Mitchell Pritchett on the sitcom Modern Family. He has also appeared on Broadway in productions like The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Fully Committed, earning accolades like the Drama Desk Award and Tony Award. Ferguson is also a philanthropist, co-founding the charity Tie The Knot to support same-sex marriage through bow tie sales. He has made appearances in TV shows, films, and music videos, showcasing his versatility in the entertainment industry.
Niall Ferguson
Sir Niall Campbell Ferguson (April 18, 1964 - ) is a British-American historian known for his work on international history, economic history, and the British Empire. He holds positions at the Hoover Institution and Harvard University, and has been a professor at various prestigious institutions. Ferguson has written books, presented TV documentaries like "The Ascent of Money," and received accolades such as being named one of Time magazine's most influential people. He has been knighted for his contributions to literature and is a co-founder of the University of Austin. Ferguson is known for his conservative views and support of historical figures like Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher.
The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson
The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (May 17, 1962 – Present) is an American late-night talk show hosted by Scottish actor and comedian Craig Ferguson. He took over as the host in 2005 and brought a unique blend of quirky comedy and serious interviews to the show. Ferguson's sidekick, Geoff Peterson, a robotic human skeleton, became a beloved character on the show. With a loose, improvisational style, Ferguson created a fun and engaging atmosphere for viewers. The show ran until 2014, after which James Corden took over as the new host.
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