Origin & Meaning of the Ferguson Surname
What does the last name Ferguson mean?
The surname Ferguson carries the meaning "Son of Fergu." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 146,426 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Ferguson ranks as the #188 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Ferguson come from?
The Ferguson surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Ferguson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Ferguson trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Ferguson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Fergu |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #188 |
| US Count (2010) | 146,426 |
| Per 100K People | 49.64 |
| First Letter | F |
Ethnic Distribution of Ferguson
According to the US Census, the Ferguson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 146,426 Americans with the Ferguson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 74.83% |
| Black | 19.19% |
| Hispanic | 2.53% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.6% |
| Native American | 0.62% |
| Two or More Races | 2.23% |
Popularity of Ferguson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Ferguson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Ferguson surname increased by 4,170 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Ferguson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ferguson
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