Fursus: a male name of Irish (Gaelic) origin meaning "This name derives from the Irish “feart” from the Old Irish “firt” (Welsh: gwyrth), which in turn derives from the Latin ”virtus,” meaning “virtue, ability, skill, value, strength, power, excellence, a miracle".It derives from the Irish (Gaelic) word "virtus > firt > feart".
In Irish (Gaelic) tradition, Fursus holds special significance as a masculine name representing This name derives from the Irish “feart” from the Old Irish “firt” (Welsh: gwyrth), which in turn derives from the Latin ”virtus,” meaning “virtue, ability, skill, value, strength, power, excellence, a miracle. This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Irish (Gaelic) culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.
Quick Facts About Fursus
Quick facts about Fursus
Origin
Irish (Gaelic), Latin
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Irish “feart” from the Old Irish “firt” (Welsh: gwyrth), which in turn derives from the Latin ”virtus,” meaning “virtue, ability, skill, value, strength, power, excellence, a miracle.” Saint Fursey († 650) was an Irish monk who did much to establish Christianity throughout the British Isles and particularly in East Anglia. He reportedly experienced angelic visions of the afterlife. Fursey is one of the Four Comely Saints. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on January 16.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
virtus > firt > feart
How to Pronounce Fursus
Fursus is pronounced /ˈfɜːr.səs/
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Fur-sus
Say it like: "FUR-SUS"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Fursus is predominantly used in gaelic (latinized) speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
gaelic (latinized)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fursus
What does the name Fursus mean?
Fursus means "This name derives from the Irish “feart” from the Old Irish “firt” (Welsh: gwyrth), which in turn derives from the Latin ”virtus,” meaning “virtue, ability, skill, value, strength, power, excellence, a miracle.” Saint Fursey († 650) was an Irish monk who did much to establish Christianity throughout the British Isles and particularly in East Anglia. He reportedly experienced angelic visions of the afterlife. Fursey is one of the Four Comely Saints. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on January 16.". The name comes from virtus > firt > feart. This irish (gaelic) name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Fursus for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Irish “feart” from the Old Irish “firt” (Welsh: gwyrth), which in turn derives from the Latin ”virtus,” meaning “virtue, ability, skill, value, strength, power, excellence, a miracle.” Saint Fursey († 650) was an Irish monk who did much to establish Christianity throughout the British Isles and particularly in East Anglia. He reportedly experienced angelic visions of the afterlife. Fursey is one of the Four Comely Saints. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on January 16." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Fursus's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like RELIGION (SAINTS), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Fursus?
Fursus has irish (gaelic) and latin origins. The name traces back to virtus > firt > feart. The name remains closely tied to gaelic (latinized) naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The irish (gaelic) meaning "This name derives from the Irish “feart” from the Old Irish “firt” (Welsh: gwyrth), which in turn derives from the Latin ”virtus,” meaning “virtue, ability, skill, value, strength, power, excellence, a miracle.” Saint Fursey († 650) was an Irish monk who did much to establish Christianity throughout the British Isles and particularly in East Anglia. He reportedly experienced angelic visions of the afterlife. Fursey is one of the Four Comely Saints. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on January 16." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Fursus a boy or girl name?
Fursus is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In irish (gaelic) tradition, Fursus has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Irish “feart” from the Old Irish “firt” (Welsh: gwyrth), which in turn derives from the Latin ”virtus,” meaning “virtue, ability, skill, value, strength, power, excellence, a miracle.” Saint Fursey († 650) was an Irish monk who did much to establish Christianity throughout the British Isles and particularly in East Anglia. He reportedly experienced angelic visions of the afterlife. Fursey is one of the Four Comely Saints. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on January 16." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Fursus?
Fursus is pronounced "/ˈfɜːr.səs/". This pronunciation follows ga language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Fursus is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with irish (gaelic) names, listening to a native speaker say Fursus can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
How popular is the name Fursus?
Fursus is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Fursus offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Fursus's popularity may vary between irish (gaelic) communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Irish “feart” from the Old Irish “firt” (Welsh: gwyrth), which in turn derives from the Latin ”virtus,” meaning “virtue, ability, skill, value, strength, power, excellence, a miracle.” Saint Fursey († 650) was an Irish monk who did much to establish Christianity throughout the British Isles and particularly in East Anglia. He reportedly experienced angelic visions of the afterlife. Fursey is one of the Four Comely Saints. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on January 16." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Fursus holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Fursus commonly used?
Fursus is used primarily in gaelic (latinized) naming traditions. Though irish (gaelic) in origin, Fursus found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Irish “feart” from the Old Irish “firt” (Welsh: gwyrth), which in turn derives from the Latin ”virtus,” meaning “virtue, ability, skill, value, strength, power, excellence, a miracle.” Saint Fursey († 650) was an Irish monk who did much to establish Christianity throughout the British Isles and particularly in East Anglia. He reportedly experienced angelic visions of the afterlife. Fursey is one of the Four Comely Saints. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on January 16." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Fursus into their naming traditions. A child named Fursus will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Fursus is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Fursus?
Fursus carries associations with RELIGION (SAINTS). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Irish “feart” from the Old Irish “firt” (Welsh: gwyrth), which in turn derives from the Latin ”virtus,” meaning “virtue, ability, skill, value, strength, power, excellence, a miracle.” Saint Fursey († 650) was an Irish monk who did much to establish Christianity throughout the British Isles and particularly in East Anglia. He reportedly experienced angelic visions of the afterlife. Fursey is one of the Four Comely Saints. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on January 16." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In irish (gaelic) culture, where Fursus originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Fursus sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Fursus often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In gaelic (latinized) communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.