EGAN
Egan
Origin and Meaning Egan is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Aodhagáin," meaning "son of Aodhagán." Aodhagán is a diminutive form of the Irish name Aodh, which means "fire" or "fiery."
History The Egan surname is most commonly found in Ireland, particularly in counties such as Galway, Roscommon, Tipperary, and Offaly. The Egan clan has a long history in Ireland and can trace its roots back to ancient Gaelic tribes. The Egans were often associated with scholarly pursuits, and several notable figures bearing the surname have made significant contributions to Irish history and culture.
Distribution In addition to Ireland, the Egan surname can also be found in other English-speaking countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Migration patterns, particularly during periods of Irish emigration, have contributed to the spread of the Egan name around the world.
Notable People
- Sir Walter Egan (1861–1948) – An Irish-born British diplomat who served as the British Ambassador to China and Japan.
- Pierce Egan (1772–1849) – A British journalist and writer known for his sporting and historical works, including "Life in London" and "Boxiana."
- Gregory Egan (born 1961) – An Australian science fiction author known for his novels and short stories exploring themes of mathematics, physics, and technology.
Coat of Arms The Egan family has a distinct coat of arms, featuring symbols such as a silver lion rampant and a red chevron. This heraldic design represents the family's heritage and can be found in historical records and archives.
Modern Significance Today, the Egan surname continues to be passed down through generations, connecting individuals to their Irish roots and family history. Many individuals with the surname Egan take pride in their heritage and actively engage in genealogical research to learn more about their ancestors and the legacy they have inherited.
There are approximately 9,685 people named Egan in the UK. That makes it the 955th most common surname in Britain. Around 149 in a million people in Britain are named Egan.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Ireland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Martin
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Richard
- Thomas
Female
- Caroline
- Catherine
- Deborah
- Elizabeth
- Jacqueline
- Joan
- Joanne
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.