Igoe

Igoe is a British surname of Gaelic origin, derived from the Irish Ó hÉigeartaigh, meaning "descendant of Éigear" or "descendant of the spirited one". The name is primarily found in Ireland, particularly in counties Mayo and Roscommon.

Origin and History

The Igoe surname can be traced back to ancient Gaelic roots, with the earliest known recordings dating back to the 16th century in Ireland. The family is believed to have been a part of the influential O'Connor clan of Connaught, a powerful Gaelic dynasty in medieval Ireland.

Distribution and Variations

The distribution of the Igoe surname is mainly concentrated in Ireland, although some members of the family have migrated to other countries over the years. Variations of the surname include Eager, Egar, and Egearty.

Notable Individuals

  • Seán Igoe (1904-1980) - A prominent Irish politician and member of the Fianna Fáil party.
  • Mary Igoe (b. 1952) - An accomplished Irish artist known for her landscapes and abstract paintings.

Legacy

The Igoe surname carries a rich history of Gaelic heritage and represents a lineage that has endured through centuries. Today, individuals bearing the surname continue to honour their heritage and contribute to various fields across the globe.


Reference:

  • MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. Irish Academic Press, 1980.

There are approximately 815 people named Igoe in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,643rd most common surname in Britain. Around 13 in a million people in Britain are named Igoe.

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

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Kevin
  • Martin
  • Michael
  • William

Female

  • Catherine
  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Dawn
  • Frances
  • Jacqueline
  • Josephine
  • Katrina
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • 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.

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