Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X, list of Scottish personal names).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
FERGUS. A common Celtic Sc. and Ir. name, of very ancient orig. and found in the Lowlands from the 14th c. Fergus Mac Erc was traditionally the leader of the first Scottish settlement from Ireland in Argyll c.500. Dim. form Fergie, Fargie (Sc. 1860 Border Mag. (April 1922) 62). [′fɛrgi]
[Gael. Fearghas, O. Ir. Fergus, Pictish Forcus, O. Welsh Gwrgwst, “exceedingly choice or select”.]
