Surname Horrigan - Meaning and Origin
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Horrigan: What does the surname Horrigan mean?
The last name Horrigan is of Irish origin and is derived from the Irish surname O’hUadhraighain (which is derived from two elements: the Irish uadh, meaning “noble,” and raigh, meaning “king”). It is associated with the ancient clan located in County Kerry, Ireland. The clan members were primarily farmers and served as an important source of protection for their lands, and they were able to keep the clan together by relying on strong family ties.
The Horrigan family is believed to have adopted the surname at some point in the 16th century when Irish names were being more actively anglicized. They were among the prominent families in Kerry, and one branch of the family achieved notoriety when Patrick Horrigan became implicated in the Fenian raids in the mid-1800s.
The Horrigan surname, as a result, is associated with strong family ties, loyalty, and the importance of standing up for what one believes in. This is evident in the family’s history in which their members have been fiercely loyal to their kin and their ancient homeland, fighting to preserve their traditions. In that way, the Horrigan surname truly represents the spirit of the Irish clans and brings to mind ideas of loyalty and justice.
Order DNA origin analysisHorrigan: Where does the name Horrigan come from?
The last name Horrigan is most commonly found in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States.
In Ireland, the name is found throughout the entire country, especially in County Cork. There is also a concentration of Horrigan families in Dublin, Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon. Given that Ireland has been a major emigration hub, many of these families have made their way to countries across the globe.
In the UK, the highest concentrations of Horrigans are found in Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Tyne and Wear. Eccles in Greater Manchester has a large number of Horrigan families, as well as other parts of Southeast England.
The number of Horrigans in Australia is much lower than the other two countries, yet still significant. Most can be found in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.
In the United States, Horrigans are found in almost every state, with the highest concentrations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. These states have the highest numbers of U.S.-born those with whose ancestor’s left Ireland for North America.
No matter where one goes, the last name Horrigan is bound to be found. From the small towns of Ireland, to the cities of Europe and North America, the name has a long and noble history.
Variations of the surname Horrigan
The Horrigan surname has many variants, spellings and surnames with Irish origins. O’hUiginn, O’Huerigan (meaning the male descendant of Ugaine), O’Higgin, O’Heerigan, O'Huighinn, O'Hoerigan, O'Hirrigan, O'Heergen, O'Hurrigane, O'Hourigane, O'Hourigan, Hurrigen and Horrigan are all spellings and surnames related to the Horrigan name.
The original form of the Horrigan surname is the Gaelic name O'hUiginn. This comes from the personal name Ugaine, meaning either "born of darkness" or "chaotic one". Uigin, a solidified form of the personal name, is the origin of the surname.
The various spellings of the name diverged as the centuries progressed and English became the dominant language in Ireland. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the name became simplified to Horrigan for many families. Some spellings have become eye dialects, such as Hirrigan and Hourigan.
Other related surnames include Harrisen, O'Heeringan, O'Harigane, O'Rigane and O'Riggen. These variations come from a mix of Irish and Norman influences, and all stem from the same original name.
The modern forms of the Horrigan surname are still popular throughout Ireland and the rest of the world. It is a popular name among those with Irish and Norman ancestry alike.
Famous people with the name Horrigan
- Alan Horrigan: Irish footballer and manager
- Tom Horrigan: former American professional basketball player
- Timothy Horrigan: former Democratic member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives
- Michael Horrigan: Irish singer-songwriter
- Edmund Horrigan: former Commissioner of the Canadian Football League
- D.W. Horrigan: former American tennis player
- Sarah Horrigan: Australian wine writer
- Tim Horrigan: American musician
- Brian Horrigan: Australian physician and epidemiologist
- Kristina Horrigan: American professional golfer
- Paul Horrigan: former English footballer
- Rhianna Horrigan: Australian actress 13.Fr. William Horrigan: American Roman Catholic priest