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FERGUS,
a surname derived from feargachus, wrathful, or of a fiery
disposition, feary in the Gaelic signifying anger, or wrath, and
feargach, one of a bold, irascible, haughty, or imperious temper,
having nearly the same meaning as the Teutonic word Fierce. The conjecture
that fear, a man, and ghais, (both Gaelic words,) a spear,
constitute the Erse roots of the name, does not seem entitled to much
consideration. Fergus is a name of great antiquity in Scotland, the Scoti
having arrived and settled in Argyle from Ireland in 496, or according to
some writers, in 503, under King Fergus, the founder of the Scottish
monarchy. Like most other son-names, it is often used as a first of
Christian name.
Fergus, lord of
Galloway, in the 12th century, the most potent feudatory
subject of the Scottish crown, was a frequent witness to the charters of
David I., but threw off his allegiance to David’s son, Malcolm IV., and
declared himself independent of the Scottish throne. Malcolm, in
consequence, twice invaded his territories, and though twice repulsed and
discomfited, he eventually, on a third invasion, in 1160, overpowered him,
and obliged him to resign the lordship of Galloway to his sons, Uchtred
and Gilbert. Fergus retired to the abbey of Holyrood, where he died of a
broken heart in 1161. He was a prince of great piety, and founded, in
1142, the abbey of Dundrennan. He married Elizabeth, illegitimate daughter
of Henry I. of England, and his descendants ranked high among the nobles
of England and Scotland. |
