The Scottish and Irish surname Ross is of Gaelic origin. The name Ross has a number of origins, it may be derived from the Gaelic word Ros meaning a peninsula and would denote somebody living there. Ross may also come from the Welsh term rhos meaning a bog or a moor and would denote somebody living in such a place. Ross is the 89th most popular name in the United States. Notable bearers of the surname Ross include Diana Ross the American singer and Wilbur Ross a famous American businessman.