FERRIES

The surname Ferries is historically rooted in both English and Scottish tradition.

Its earliest known derivation is from the medieval personal name Ferris, a variant of the Gaelic name Fergus, which translates to “man of vigour” or “man of strength.” This linguistic lineage implies that the name originally identified the descendants of a man bearing either of those personal names.

Records show that the name has served as a patronymic surname since at least the early sixteenth century. In the Exchequer Rolls of Scotland for the reign of King James V (1513‑1542), a tenant named Andreas McFeris is documented in 1527. A later notable figure, Katherine M’Ferries, appears in Aberdeen court records in 1597 and is also listed under the spelling Ferries.

From a Gaelic standpoint, Ferries is an anglicised form of the Scots Gaelic name Macfhearghuis. Here, the prefix mac means “son of” and the personal name Fearghus (or Fergus) is composed of the elements fear (“man”) and gus (“vigour” or “force”). The earliest post‑medieval spelling variants include Feres, Ferres, and Pheres; in the modern era the spelling is typically seen as MacFerries, Ferries, Ferris, or Ferres.

Another layer of origin stems from an occupational source. The surname may have arisen from the Old Norse word ferjask meaning “to embark,” or from the Danish word færge meaning “ferry.” In this context, Ferries would have identified an individual who operated a ferry crossing or resided near such a crossing. Parallel evidence from Middle English links the surname to the verb ferry, a variant of fere meaning “to accompany,” combined with the suffix -s to denote the person in that role.

Over the centuries, the name has appeared in a number of spellings: Ferrie, Ferry, Ferrey, Ferris, Fary, Ferres and others. Such variations arise from regional dialects, phonetic spelling by clerks, and the shifting orthographic standards of English and Gaelic.

Geographically, the surname is most prevalent within the United Kingdom. Within Scotland, it is particularly common in the region of Sutherland, although it can be found throughout the country in places such as Aberdeen and Strathdee. In England, the name was first noted in the 13th century in Shropshire. Migration and diaspora have brought bearers of the name to North America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where it remains a recognised surname.

While the surname may have multiple lineages—some deriving from the personal name Fergus and others from an occupational association with ferry crossings—genealogical research, including the analysis of historical documents and DNA studies, can help clarify the particular origin within a given family line.

Typical given names associated with the Ferries surname

Male

• Alexander
• Andrew
• David
• George
• Gordon
• Ian
• James
• John
• Neil
• Peter
• Robert
• William

Female

• Agnes
• Ann
• Anne
• Elaine
• Elizabeth
• Hilary
• Jennifer
• Lorraine
• Margaret
• Mary
• Maureen
• Patricia
• Ruth
• Sandra
• Sarah

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

How to communicate the surname Ferries in...

Braille

⠋⠑⠗⠗⠊⠑⠎

Morse

..-...-..-.......

Semaphore

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Your comments on the Ferries surname