Surname O'madigan - Meaning and Origin
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O'madigan: What does the surname O'madigan mean?
The last name O'Madigan is an Irish surname that can be found in several regions of Ireland, most commonly in the northwestern counties of Mayo and Donegal. The name is derived from the Gaelic word for "son of Maddog", which was an ancient honorific bestowed upon a hero or warrior of great importance and standing.
According to some historical texts, it is believed that the name was established by a legendary figure known as Maddog, who lived during 4th or 5th century AD. He was a powerful warrior and a prominent figure known for his significant contributions to Irish culture.
Over time, the surname O'Madigan has become an important part of Irish heritage and culture. It is said to carry a sense of strength, courage, and tenacity – values which the Irish people have long held dear.
Today, the O'Madigan surname can be found in counties all across Ireland. Those who carry the name can take pride in their Irish origins and the strong, reliable character that comes along with it. O'Madigans all over the country take these qualities seriously, and strive to contribute to the rich Irish culture in any way they can.
Order DNA origin analysisO'madigan: Where does the name O'madigan come from?
The last name O'Madigan is most commonly found today in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland. It is likely of Irish descent, originating from County Clare, in the province of Munster.
The O'Madigan surname is thought to have been derived from the Irish surname MacMadadhain, meaning “son of Madadhain”. According to Irish legend, Madadhain was descended from the First Fleet invasion in 1166 when General Randal MacGillacuddy, chief of the O'Maddigans, led an army into north Mayo.
In the United States, O'Madigan is most prominently found in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Throughout Ireland, the surname is mainly concentrated in the provinces of Connacht and Leinster, particularly in counties Clare, Longford, and Mayo.
In the late 19th century, a significant influx of O'Madigans moved to America, primarily settling in the cities of Boston, Massachusetts; Worcester, Massachusetts; Utica, New York; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In the UK, meanwhile, O'Madigan families made their home in Lancashire, Yorkshire, and London. In Canada, O'Madigan is quite frequent, especially in Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island.
The O'Madigans are an ancient Irish family and their name has stood the test of time since their origin in 1166. O'Madigans have spread far and wide over the centuries, making this surname a proud Irish expatriate, found not only in Ireland but also around the world.
Variations of the surname O'madigan
The surname O'Madigan (also spelled as Madigan) is an Irish clan name that comes from the native Gaelic Ó Maodhagáin surname, which means "descendant of Maodhagán." The surname can also be translated to "son of the little gentle one." Historically, the O'Madigan clan was located in Kings County, in the province of Leinster in Ireland.
The surname O'Madigan may have many alternate spellings, but the most common variants are Maddigan, Madagan, Madagin, Madagen, Madiggan, Madigin, Madingan, Madingin, and Mayoghan. There are also variants from other parts of the world, such as Mac Adigan, Balmadigan, Madagann, Madjgian, Mayjmye, and Madgean.
Similar surnames of the same origin can also be seen in other countries and cultures, having been adopted by members of other breeds, including Madigan, Madigean, Median, and Médan in France; Madizona in Spain; Medouga in Russia; and EMadigan in Ireland.
The variants listed above are merely a few variations of the O'Madigan surname, as there are many more related names stemming from the same origin. However, they all share one common thread – a proud Irish heritage.
Famous people with the name O'madigan
- John O'Madigan: an entrepreneur and business leader, best known for launching Omni Resorts.
- Jim O'Madigan: an American lawyer and politician, best known for serving in the state legislature of Wisconsin from 1957 to 1966.
- Mary Ann O'Madigan: an English-born American actress and singer, best known for her role in the musical "Cabaret."
- Liz O'Madigan: an Irish-American journalist, best known for her work in the business magazine "Forbes."
- Mike O'Madigan: an American football player who played for the Chicago Bears from 1994 to 1998.
- Emily O'Madigan: an Australian actress, best known for her television roles in "Neighbours" and "Home and Away."
- Sean O'Madigan: an Irish actor and former model, best known for his role in the film "Veronica Guerin."
- Siobhan O'Madigan: an Irish singer-songwriter, best known for her work in the rock genre.
- Philip O'Madigan: an American military officer, best known for serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
- Philip O'Madigan, Jr.: an Irish-born American actor, best known for his roles in "The Brothers Mcmullen" and "King of Texas."