Surname Feagan - Meaning and Origin

Feagan: What does the surname Feagan mean?

The surname Feagan is of Irish origin. It is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name "O Faodhagain," which roughly translates to "descendant of Faodhagan." The word "Faodhagan" itself is a diminutive form of the personal name "Féidhlim," meaning "beauty" or "ever good." Thus, the last name Feagan could be interpreted to represent ancestry traced back to a person named Faodhagan, who was possibly known for his goodness or beauty. Surnames in Ireland often preserve ancient family histories and lineages. However, due to the complexities and regional variations in languages and pronunciations, there can be multiple interpretations and meanings associated with the same surname. Keep in mind, the exact meaning can vary and origins can be uncertain.

Feagan: Where does the name Feagan come from?

The surname Feagan is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Fiacháin," meaning "descendant of Fiach," a personal name symbolizing a Raven. Over time, the name underwent various forms of anglicization, resulting in the modern variant Feagan.

Like many Irish surnames, Feagan was spread across the world through the extensive Irish diaspora, carried by emigrants fleeing hardship, like the Great Famine in the 1840s. Despite this dispersal, Feagan remains a relatively rare surname.

Today, the Feagan surname can be found in a number of English-speaking countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. It is most common in the U.S., particularly in the states of Texas, Missouri, and Arkansas due to high concentrations of Irish immigration in the past. Despite its Irish origin, the Feagan surname is not very common in Ireland today owing to historical emigration.

Variations of the surname Feagan

The surname Feagan may have several variant spellings and related surnames due to regional differences, transcription errors, or even personal preference. Some of these include Fagan, Fegan, Feagan, Feigen, Fagen, Feagin, and Fegin. The surname is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Ó Faodhagáin, which means "descendent of Faodhagán", a personal name representing a diminutive of "faodhach" meaning "harmful" or "hurtful." As such, surnames that may share the same Irish origin include O’Fagan, Fagin, Fegan, Hagan, and O’Hagan. Variations can also appear due to anglicization over time as the name was adopted outside of Gaelic-speaking communities. In some cases, another variant could be Vagan. Understanding these variations can be crucial in genealogical research, as records may contain different spellings for the same individuals.

Famous people with the name Feagan

• Ally Feagan: an English actress best known for her roles as Mandy in the BBC Three TV series All That Matters and Jessica in the ITV1 soap opera Coronation Street.
• Denise Feagan: an award-winning Australian trainer, speaker, and executive coach.
• Kenny Feagan: an R&B singer-songwriter from Houston, Texas.
• Yvonne Feagan: an American author and entrepreneur who writes primarily on healthy living, wellness, businesses, and working mothers.
• Zack Feagan: an American basketball player who has won multiple titles, including two NCAA Division II National Championships.
• Paul Feagan: a retired professional footballer who most notably played for English sides Walsall and Port Vale.
• Mark Feagan: a Canadian sports broadcaster who has appeared on a variety of networks and platforms.
• Tim Feagan: an American businessman who has held positions in various companies and is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Simba Sleep.
• George Feagan: an Irish-American writer and playwright who is internationally renowned for his short stories and plays.
• Kenneth Feagan: an American professional Overwatch video game player currently playing for the London Spitfire.

Other surnames

Feagans