Surname Higerty - Meaning and Origin

Higerty: What does the surname Higerty mean?

The surname Higerty (also spelled Higuerty) is of Spanish origin and can be traced back to Galicia in Northwestern Spain. It is derived from the Old French personal name "Higier", and the suffix "et", which was used to form patronymics from personal names. The Higier name is likely derived from the Latin word "Higerius", meaning sharp or acute.

The Higerty surname found its way to Ireland during the 16th century when the Spanish Armada was defeated by the English Navy. As a result, many Irishmen living in Spain at the time were forced to return home. Upon return, some adopted the Higerty surname to signify their Spanish heritage.

Throughout history, the Higerty name has been associated with politics and public service. For example, John Higerty, born in Galway in 1817, was a noted scientist and popular lecturer in Dublin. He was recognized for his contributions to the British Association for the Advancement of Science and was a prime mover in the RDS Photographic Society.

Today, the Higerty surname is found mainly in the USA, UK, Ireland, and Australia. It continues to be associated with achievement, ambition, and industriousness – qualities that were first recognized in the bearers of the name hundreds of years ago.

Higerty: Where does the name Higerty come from?

The last name Higerty is believed to be most common in the United States. Records of Higerty immigrants coming to the US date back to the middle of the 19th century, and most of these immigrants were of Irish, Scottish, or English origin.

Today, the last name Higerty is particularly prevalent in the mid western region of the United States. States with the highest concentrations of the name include Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. It is often found in rural and suburban counties in these states. The highest concentrations of this name are typically found in Catholic and Irish communities.

Outside of the United States, Higerty is less common. However, there are pockets throughout the world where the population is more dense. Canada, England, and Australia are some of the countries where the Higerty surname is known to appear.

In recent years, Higerty’s have been known to make a name for themselves in the business world. Many have become successful entrepreneurs and rising executives in major companies. With the increased visibility and success of its members, the surname Higerty will likely persist for generations to come.

Variations of the surname Higerty

The surname Higerty has multiple variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include Higarty, Hicarty, O'Hegerty, Hegerty, Hiagarty, and Haggerty.

The surname Higerty can also trace its roots to multiple places in the world including Ireland and England. It is derived from two Old English words, ‘heah’ and ‘geard’ which translates to ‘hi-garden’. This was likely used to reference someone who lived by a tall, high garden or hedge.

In Ireland, the surname originates in the Munster region (modern day Cork, Clare, Limerick, and Kerry) and is anglicized from the Gaelic surname ‘Ó hIcirtaigh’ which has multiple Anglicized spellings including: Hibbins, Hibbings, Hibbans, Ibbits, and Egertons.

In England, the surname Higerty can trace its origin to the counties of Devon and Somerset where the surname was derived from the name of a farm located in those areas called Hegerty.

It is interesting to note how the same surname has evolved in different parts of the world and has taken on multiple spellings and variant forms according to the region they are located in. This proves that the surname Higerty is diverse in its origin.

Famous people with the name Higerty

• Connor Higerty: Born in 1989, Connor Higerty is an American television actor primarily known for his roles on the CW's Jane the Virgin and NBC's Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
• Katie Higerty: Born in 1994, Katie Higerty is an American singer, songwriter, and musician best known for her blues-folk style and songwriting, as well as her acting roles in various films and television shows.
• Clara Higerty: Born in 1998, Clara Higerty is an American dancer and choreographer who has achieved critical acclaim for her unique style and ability to bridge mainstream and experimental art.
• Jay Higerty: Born in 1972, Jay Higerty is an American actor and comedian who has starred in numerous film and television roles, including as a series regular for six seasons on NBC's Friends.
• Joe Higerty: Born in 1965, Joe Higerty is an English actor and producer with credits in numerous Hollywood films, including The Equalizer, Inside Man, and American Gangster.
• Patrick Higerty: Born in 1973, Patrick Higerty is an Irish Gaelic football player and coach who won numerous Player of the Year awards during his successful playing career.
• Sean Higerty: Born in 1967, Sean Higerty is a Welsh composer and conductor best known for his work with operas and symphonies, having conducted hundreds of performances at international venues.
• Elizabeth Higerty: Born in 1992, Elizabeth Higerty is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist known for founding numerous start-up companies and donating her time and money to various charities.

Other surnames

Higerson