Surname Hedigan - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Hedigan: What does the surname Hedigan mean?
The last name Hedigan is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic surname O’Hedigan. Originally spelled O’Hedegain, the family is believed to have come from County Offaly, in the ancient province of Leinster. The name derives from the Gaelic O’hEdigin, meaning “descendant of Edigin.” The given name Edigin itself is derived from the Gaelic word édaigh, meaning “daring” or “adventurer.”
The Hedigan family was typically found in the Kings and Queens county, and also scattered throughout various other parts of Ireland. The earliest records for the family date back to 1537 in County Kilkenny with records of an ancestor named Otho Hedegayn. During the 17th century, the family scattered further throughout Ireland as did other Gaelic families, as a result of displacement and war.
The Hedigan surname is still common today throughout Ireland. Records show that the name is on the increase in the south-western portion of Ireland, mainly in Galway and Cork. There is no definitive coat of arms associated with the Hedigan family.
The Hedigan name is an excellent example of an Irish Gaelic surname, derived from a meaningful ancestor and connection to a specific region. Its unique origin and history reflect the culture of both the native Irish people and the displaced immigrants throughout history.
Order DNA origin analysisHedigan: Where does the name Hedigan come from?
The last name Hedigan is of Irish origin, and is most commonly found in Ireland today. It is thought to have originated in County Cork, with the earliest recorded bearers of the name in the area going back to the 16th century. It is still the 16th most common surname in the county today.
Beyond Ireland, the Hedigan surname can also be found across the UK, USA and some other parts of the world. In the United States, it is seen most prominently in Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island, with one of the earliest Irish immigrants to the US with the Hedigan name, Jacob Hedigan, arriving in New England in 1775. In the UK, records suggest it has been present since at least the early 18th century.
Overall, the Hedigan surname remains a rare one, having fallen out of use in many areas over the past few centuries. It can still be found in its homeland and other parts of the world, and its influence on the history of the region is still felt today.
Variations of the surname Hedigan
The surname Hedigan can vary with spelling, have variants, and also have different surnames of the same origin. Some of the variants for the surname Hedigan include Hedigan, Hedin, Heedan, Headon, Higgin, Heddin, and Hedden.
The Hedigan surname is derived from the Middle English name Headinge. Headinge was made up of two elements which denoted a “present of ‘Head’”. This was likely a physical gift that was given to a person as a show of gratitude or respect, with the prefix Hæd (meaning “head” or “chief”) signifying the importance of the gift.
Other forms of the name include Haddock, Haddow, Headgens, Headgensson, Heden, Hedin, Hedley, Hedley, Hedlund, Hedongen, Hedques, Heedan, Heeden, Heggen, Heggan, Heggen, Heggens, Heggensson, Heggensson, Heggin, Heggins and Heggy.
The Hedigan surname is primarily found in the British Isles and Scandinavia. It is quite common in Ireland and Scotland, with a few families living in Wales. Additionally, the surname is well represented in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
It should also be noted that there are some French families that use the name, but they likely adopted it during the settlement of Canada’s New World, which began in the 16th century.
In summary, the surname Hedigan is a Middle English name that has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. It is primarily found in the British Isles, Scandinavia, and Canada, with a few families living in Wales.
Famous people with the name Hedigan
- Chris Hedigan: Irish singer-songwriter whose captivating vocals and powerful lyrics have earned him a devoted following in his home country.
- Claire Hedigan: British painter whose work is known for its vivid colors and abstract imagery.
- Maurice Hedigan: Irish drummer from the folk band Kíla, credited with playing a major role in reviving traditional Irish music.
- Jodie Hedigan: American actress best known for her role as Sally in the television series Cheers.
- Carly Hedigan: British fashion designer, recently named as one of the Top 10 emerging UK fashion designers.
- Ann Hedigan: Irish novel and screenwriter, whose debut novel, A Place Called Home, was a bestseller in Ireland.
- Jack Hedigan: Irish former rugby union player and coach, who played for Ireland from 1959 to 1960.
- Leo Hedigan: Irish politician, who represented Dublin South East in the Irish Senate from 1969 to 1977.
- Christopher Hedigan: Canadian lawyer and environmental activist, who was recently awarded the “Eco-Law Champion” award.
- Lewis Hedigan: American composer and producer best known for his work with classic rock bands like U2, The Doors, and The Rolling Stones.