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Show ContentsFerguson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

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The Hebrides islands and the west coast of Scotland are the ancestral home of the Ferguson family. Their name comes from the Scottish surname MacFergus, which means "son of Fergus".

Early Origins of the Ferguson family

The surname Ferguson was first found in Galloway (Gaelic: Gall-ghaidhealaibh), an area of southwestern Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Dumfries and Galloway, that formerly consisted of the counties of Wigtown (West Galloway) and Kirkcudbright (East Galloway), where they were descended from the Prince of Galloway who married the daughter of Henry I of England. These ancient Lords of Galloway were independent rulers until they were annexed by Scotland in 1234. Alan, Prince of Galloway, was the last of the line. The Craigdarroch branch was the oldest but they also had branches at Cowal, Kintyre, Kilkerran, Atholl, Kinmundy, Pitfour.

The Ayrshire Fergusons, who descended from Fergus, the independent 12th century Lord of Galloway, were established in the Southwest of Scotland even before they received their charter from Bruce, the King of Scotland, in the 13th century. Furthermore, numerous families of the name Ferguson were established throughout Scotland at an early date. In Argyll, where the Ferguson Clan is particularly numerous, the Fergusons held lands in Strachur until the beginning of the 19th century. The Fergussons of Perthshire were recognized as the principal Highland branch of the Clan and the chieftainship belonged to the Dunfallandy family, the head of which was designated "MacFhearghuis."

Early History of the Ferguson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ferguson research. Another 121 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1621, 1637, 1667, 1672, 1699, 1705, 1714, 1715, 1723, 1734, 1745, 1816 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Ferguson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ferguson Spelling Variations

Medieval translation of Gaelic names could not be referred to as an accurate process. Spelling was not yet standardized, and names in documents from that era are riddled with spelling variations. Ferguson has been written as Ferguson, Fergusson, Farguson, Fargerson, Fargusson and many more.

Early Notables of the Ferguson family

Notable amongst the Clan from early times was

  • James Ferguson (1621-1667), a Scottish minister
  • William Ferguson (d. 1699) of Badifurrow, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Ferguson World Ranking

In the United States, the name Ferguson is the 156th most popular surname with an estimated 146,733 people with that name. 1 However, in Canada, the name Ferguson is ranked the 115th most popular surname with an estimated 25,988 people with that name. 2 And in Australia, the name Ferguson is the 108th popular surname with an estimated 24,611 people with that name. 3 New Zealand ranks Ferguson as 156th with 3,239 people. 4 The United Kingdom ranks Ferguson as 157th with 33,552 people. 5

Ireland Migration of the Ferguson family to Ireland

Some of the Ferguson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 60 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

United States Ferguson migration to the United States +

Ancestors of many of the Dalriadan families who crossed the Atlantic still live along the east coast of the United States and Canada. Some Scottish settlers arrived in Canada during the American War of Independence as United Empire Loyalists, while others stayed south to fight for a new nation. The descendants of Scottish settlers in both countries began to rediscover their heritage in the 19th and 20th centuries through Clan societies and highland games. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Ferguson or a variant listed above:

Ferguson Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Elizabeth Ferguson, who landed in Dorchester, Massachusetts in 1630 6
  • Daniel Ferguson, who settled in New England in 1651
  • Agnes Ferguson, who landed in New Jersey in 1685 6
  • Elspeth Ferguson, who landed in New Jersey in 1685 6
  • Gilbert Ferguson, who arrived in East New Jersey in 1685 6
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Ferguson Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Lawrence Ferguson, who landed in Virginia in 1716 6
  • Henry Ferguson, who landed in Maryland in 1716 6
  • Finlow Ferguson, who arrived in South Carolina in 1716 6
  • Duncan Ferguson, who arrived in Maryland in 1716 6
  • Duncan Ferguson, who settled in Virginia in 1716
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Ferguson Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • James Ferguson, who arrived in America in 1805 6
  • Thomas Ferguson, who arrived in America in 1805 6
  • Andw Ferguson, who landed in America in 1805 6
  • Matthew Ferguson, who arrived in America in 1811 6
  • Robert Ferguson, who arrived in America in 1811 6
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Ferguson Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Marie Ferguson, aged 19, who arrived in New York in 1919 aboard the ship "Baltic" from Liverpool, England 7
  • Annie Ferguson, aged 37, who arrived in New York in 1919 aboard the ship "Adriatic" from Southampton, England 7

Canada Ferguson migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Ferguson Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • John Ferguson, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • Henry Ferguson, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • Mr. Alexander Ferguson U.E. who settled in New Brunswick c. 1784 he is listed with the Loyalists and Disbanded Soldiers whose names appear as Passamaquoddy New Brunswick Loyalists 8
  • Mr. Alexander Ferguson U.E. who settled in Eastern District, Cornwall, Ontario c. 1784 8
  • Mr. Farrington Ferguson U.E. who settled in Marysburgh [Prince Edward County], Ontario c. 1784 8
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Ferguson Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • James Ferguson, aged 33, Scottish mason who landed in Pictou, Nova Scotia in 1815 with his wife
  • Robert Ferguson, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1815
  • John Ferguson, aged 50, a farmer, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship "Dorothy" in 1815
  • Catherine Ferguson, aged 42, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship "Dorothy" in 1815
  • Margaret Ferguson, aged 17, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship "Dorothy" in 1815
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Australia Ferguson migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Ferguson Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century
  • Miss Frances Ferguson, (Grosvenor), English convict who was convicted in Surrey, England for 7 years , transported aboard the "Britannia III" on 18th July 1798, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 9
Ferguson Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. George Ferguson, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Elizabeth" in May 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 10
  • Mr. George Ferguson, (b. 1802), aged 18, Scottish convict who was convicted in Glasgow, Scotland for 7 years for theft, transported aboard the "Caledonia" on 5th July 1820, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land), he died in 1868 11
  • Mr. John Ferguson, British Convict who was convicted in Newark-on-Trent (Newark upon Trent), Lincolnshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Commodore Hayes" in April 1823, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 12
  • John Ferguson, a weaver, who arrived in New South Wales, Australia sometime between 1825 and 1832
  • Robert Ferguson, a weaver, who arrived in New South Wales, Australia sometime between 1825 and 1832
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

New Zealand Ferguson migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Ferguson Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Donald Ferguson, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840 aboard the ship Blenheim
  • J Ferguson, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1840
  • John Ferguson, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840 aboard the ship Blenheim
  • Donald Ferguson, aged 36, a miller, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Blenheim" in 1840
  • Mary Ferguson, aged 35, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Blenheim" in 1840
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Ferguson (post 1700) +

  • Charles Edward "Charley" Ferguson (1939-2023), American AFL tight end with the Buffalo Bills and NFL player with the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings
  • Jaylon O’Neal Ferguson (1995-2022), American football outside linebacker and defensive end of the National Football League (NFL); he died in Baltimore on June 21, 2022, aged 26
  • Art Ferguson (1944-2016), known professionally as Charlie Tuna, American radio personality and game show announcer
  • Helaman Rolfe Pratt Ferguson (b. 1940), American sculptor and digital artist
  • Robert Bruce "Bob" Ferguson (1927-2001), American songwriter and record producer
  • James Edward "Pa" Ferguson (1871-1944), American Democratic politician from the state of Texas and 26th Governor of Texas
  • Captain Christopher J. Ferguson (b. 1961), American NASA Astronaut with over 40 days in space 13
  • Elsie Louise Ferguson (1885-1961), American stage and film actress
  • Homer Samuel Ferguson (1889-1982), American politician and lawyer, Senator from Michigan
  • James Ferguson (1710-1776), Scottish astronomer
  • ... (Another 28 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Arrow Air Flight 1285
  • Mr. Mark W Ferguson (1966-1985), American Specialist 4th Class from Kingsport, Tennessee, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 14
  • Mr. James A Ferguson (1955-1985), American Sergeant from Orange Park, Florida, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 14
Empress of Ireland
  • Mr. Ronald Ferguson, British Marconi Operator from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland (1914) and survived the sinking 15
  • A. C. Ferguson, Canadian Third Class Passenger from Montreal, Quebec, Canada who survived the sinking on the Empress of Ireland (1914) 16
Halifax Explosion
  • Mr. George A.  Ferguson, Canadian Government Railway Worker from who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 17
HMAS Sydney II
  • Mr. Kenneth Charles Ferguson (1923-1941), Australian Ordinary Seaman from Shorncliffe, Queensland, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 18
  • Mr. David Wallace Ferguson (1922-1941), Australian Able Seaman from Berala, New South Wales, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 18
HMS Prince of Wales
  • Mr. George Cuthbert Irwin Ferguson (b. 1903), English Lieutenant Commander from England, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and died in the sinking 19
HMS Repulse
  • Mr. William W Ferguson, British Ordinary Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 20
Ibrox disaster
  • Margaret Oliver Ferguson (1953-1971), Scottish football supporter, from Stirlingshire who was at the Ibrox disaster on 2nd January 1971 when a human crush among the crowd killed 66 and injured 200 people she died of her injuries 21
North Sea Flood
  • James Miller Ferguson, British worker aboard the ferry "Princess Victoria" killed in the North Sea Flood, a major storm surge in 1953
RMS Lusitania
  • Mr. John Ferguson, American 2nd Class passenger from New York, New York, USA, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 22
  • Master Edward Ferguson, American 3rd Class passenger from Newark, New Jersey, USA, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking and was recovered 23
  • Mrs. Mary Ferguson, American 3rd Class passenger from Newark, USA, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 23

The Ferguson Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Dulcius ex asperis
Motto Translation: Sweeter after difficulties
  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  2. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  3. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  4. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  5. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  6. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  7. Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result
  8. Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
  9. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 30th October 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/Britannia
  10. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 1st March 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/elizabeth
  11. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 25th November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/caledonia
  12. Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th March 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/commodore-hayes
  13. NASA Astronauts Homepage. (Retrieved 2010, September 27) Christopher Ferguson. Retrieved from http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/ferguson.html
  14. American War Memorials - Flight 1285. (Retrieved 2016, August 24) . Retrieved from http://www.uswarmemorials.org/html/monument_details.php?SiteID=317&MemID=550
  15. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
  16. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 16) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
  17. Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance
  18. HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp
  19. HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
  20. HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
  21. Bradford City Football Club In memory (retrieved 22nd March 2021). Retrieved from https://www.bradfordcityafc.com/club/in-memoriam/
  22. Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 7) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
  23. Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 6) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
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