Nelligan

Nelligan is a surname of Irish origin that is primarily found in Ireland, particularly in County Cork. The name is believed to have derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Neileagáin," which means "descendant of Neileagán."

Origins:

The Nelligan surname is thought to have originated from County Cork in southern Ireland. The name is linked to the Gaelic cultural heritage of Ireland and signifies a connection to a clan or family group.

Distribution:

While the surname Nelligan is most concentrated in Ireland, particularly in Cork, there are also instances of individuals with this surname in other countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Migration patterns and historical factors have contributed to the spread of the Nelligan family name beyond Ireland’s shores.

Notable Bearers:

  • Patrick Nelligan (1845-1917) - an Irish politician and community leader known for his work in promoting education and social welfare in County Cork.
  • Eileen Nelligan (b. 1952) - a British author and poet, whose works have gained recognition for their lyrical and evocative style.
  • Michael Nelligan (1920-1999) - a prominent Irish artist whose paintings are celebrated for their vivid use of colour and abstraction.

Legacy:

The Nelligan surname carries a legacy of Irish heritage and cultural significance. Through the achievements and contributions of notable bearers of the name, the Nelligan family has left its mark in areas ranging from politics to literature and the arts.

References:

  • MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. 6th ed., Irish Academic Press, 1985.
  • Grenham, John. The Little Book of Irish Clans. HarperCollins, 2016.

There are approximately 136 people named Nelligan in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Nelligan.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Christopher
  • Daniel
  • David
  • Denis
  • Dennis
  • Gustav
  • John
  • Liam
  • Michael
  • Patrick
  • Philip
  • Richard
  • Stephen
  • Thomas

Female

  • Joanne
  • Kate
  • Kayleigh
  • Louise
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Samantha
  • Sarah
  • Sharon
  • Stacey
  • Susan
  • Tania
  • Teresa

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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