Surname Logan - Meaning and Origin

Logan: What does the surname Logan mean?

Logan is a surname of Scottish origin, derived from a place name in Ayrshire, Scotland. The name itself means "small hollow" or "little hollow" in Scottish Gaelic, stemming from the elements "lag", meaning hollow or pit, and the diminutive suffix "-an". It has been suggested that this could refer to a number of geographic features, like a secluded valley or a dell. The Logan Clan, one of the most powerful Scottish clans during the Middle Ages, likely contributed to the surname's widespread use. Despite its Scottish roots, Logan is now common in many English-speaking countries. It has also gained popularity as a given name, particularly in the United States.

Logan: Where does the name Logan come from?

The surname Logan is of Scottish origin and likely originates from the Scottish Gaelic lagan, which means "small hollow." It is associated with several places named Logan in Ayrshire and Fife in Scotland.

The surname came into existence during the Middle Ages, a period when people began to move about, requiring distinct identifiers among those with the same personal name. A surname could be derived from several sources such as the location where a person lived, their occupation, or their father's name (patronymic). Logan, therefore, would have referred to a person who lived near a small hollow.

Today, the surname Logan is common in numerous English-speaking countries. According to recent statistics, it is most prevalent in the United States, followed by England, Australia, and Canada. Within the United States, it is most frequent in Texas, California, and Florida. However, in terms of population density, it is most common in Northern Ireland. Despite its origins, the surname is now comparatively infrequent in Scotland.

Variations of the surname Logan

The surname Logan originates from Gaelic, specifically from the Scottish surname Logan ("lagán"), which derives from the elements “lag” meaning “hollow” and the diminutive suffix “-an.” It is a locational surname related to several places named Logan in Scotland.

Variants of the surname Logan can depend on the country of origin, pronunciation, and even translation. Some variants include Loggins, Loggan, Logganes, Loggen, and Logon.

Associated surnames from the same root can include O'Logan primarily found in Ireland. In Scotland, the surname Lagan is derived from the Gaelic 'lagan' similar to Logan, and so could have the same origin.

Variants can also include phonetic spellings like Lohgan, Logen, Logun, Lagen, and Login, typically created from mishearing the name or adapting it to different language pronunciation rules.

Generally, these variants have evolved due to translation between languages, variations in spelling over time, and geographical dispersal. Despite these differences, they can all be traced back to the same root origins, tying them together.

Famous people with the name Logan

• Hugh Jackman: Australian actor, producer and singer known for his portrayal of Wolverine/Logan in the X-Men film series.
• Jeff Logan: American actor, comedian and former YouTube star.
• Ryan Logan: American actor who starred in the film Logan.
• Tana Mongeau: American internet personality, YouTube vlogger and rapper.
• Logan Lerman: American actor, best known for his roles in the Percy Jackson film series and The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
• Verne Troyer: American actor and stunt performer, best known for playing Mini-Me in the Austin Powers films.
• Logan Marshall-Green: American actor, best known for his roles in television shows like 24 and The O.C.
• Matthew Logan Vasquez: American singer-songwriter and frontman of the band Delta Spirit.
• Logan Browning: American actress known for her roles in the film Bratz and the television series Dear White People.
• David Logan: British theatre director and acting coach.

Other surnames

Logane