FINNIGAN
Finnigan
Finnigan is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Fionnagáin", meaning "descendant of Fionnagán". The name is predominantly found in Ireland and Scotland, but also has a presence in England and other countries with Irish diaspora communities.
Origin:
The surname Finnigan is of ancient Gaelic descent, originating from the clan system in Ireland. The name is believed to have originated from the personal name "Fionnagán", derived from the word "fionn", meaning "fair" or "white", combined with "ág", a diminutive suffix. This ancestral name would have been passed down through generations, eventually evolving into the modern surname Finnigan.
Distribution:
The Finnigan surname is most commonly found in areas with historical Irish populations, particularly in counties such as Dublin, Cork, and Donegal in Ireland. Over time, many individuals bearing the surname emigrated to other parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. As a result, the Finnigan name can be found in various regions globally, often linked to Irish heritage.
Notable Individuals:
- Steve Finnigan (b. 1957) - A retired British police officer who served as the Chief Constable of the Lancashire Constabulary.
- Katie Finnigan (b. 1984) - A Scottish actress known for her work in theatre and television productions.
- Ryan Finnigan - An Irish musician and singer-songwriter known for his contributions to traditional and contemporary folk music.
Variants:
Variants of the Finnigan surname include "Finnegan", "Finnigan", and "Finnagen". These variations may arise from differences in spelling and pronunciation over the centuries, but all share common Gaelic origins.
The Finnigan surname has a rich history rooted in Gaelic heritage and is borne by individuals across the globe with connections to Ireland and its diaspora communities.
There are approximately 3,621 people named Finnigan in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,543rd most common surname in Britain. Around 56 in a million people in Britain are named Finnigan.
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
- Anthony
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
- Thomas
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Jacqueline
- Jean
- Julie
- Karen
- Lorraine
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.