Surname Lorrigan - Meaning and Origin
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Lorrigan: What does the surname Lorrigan mean?
The surname Lorrigan is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name O’Loragain. The surname ‘O'Loragain’ translates to mean ‘descendant of Loragain’. The personal name Loragain is thought to originate from the ancient word ‘Lorccán', meaning 'fierce', as well as ‘little’, or ‘short’.
The spelling variations for this surname include Lorgan, Laurigan, Larrigan, Laurigan and O’Lurigain. Many of the spelling variants for the foremost surname can be found along the southern coast of Ireland, particularly in County Waterford.
The surname Lorrigan can also represent a locational name, for someone who moved from a place called Kiersey (now known as Harrywest). This small town in County Kerry was also known as 'Lorgan' among the Irish population, and it is believed that the Lorrigan family hailed from this area.
The surname Lorrigan, whatever the origin, can be found in many different parts of Ireland. It is also found abroad, in a variety of countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Order DNA origin analysisLorrigan: Where does the name Lorrigan come from?
The last name Lorrigan is most common in Ireland and in Irish diaspora communities around the world such as in the United States, the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
In Ireland, the name Lorrigan can be traced back to the 12th century. Originally a Norman name, it is believed to have first been used by the de Rochfords who acquired lands in North Wexford. Over time, the name became more and more widespread as the family grew and spread their influence across the country. In fact, one branch of the family became so aristocratic that the Irish Prime Minister advises the President of Ireland on diplomatic missions.
In Ireland, the name is still very common and can be found in many records. In other countries, it is still quite frequent in Irish diaspora communities. In the United States, for example, the 2000 census found it was the 3,924th most common last name in the country.
However, it should be noted that the local spelling may differ depending on the origin of the family. The Irish spelling is 'Lorrigan', while some spellings in the United States and other countries may be 'Larrigan', with no 'o'.
Variations of the surname Lorrigan
The surname Lorrigan is an Irish surname of Anglo-Norman origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name O’Laoghordha, which was first found in counties Limerick and Waterford in the south of Ireland.
Variations of the surname include these: Lauriegan, Laurygan, Lauryrigan, Laeurygan, Laeuryrigan, Laoragan, Laoraghan, Laroghan, Larin, Larrigan, Loragen, Loraghan, Lorrigan, Lorigan, Lorgan, Lournigan, Lowrigan, O’Lorrigan, O'Lorigan, O’Laurigan, and O’Laurigan.
Spellings of the name which are slightly different include Larrigan and Lawrigan, as well as other variants such as Leawrygan and Lorignan.
Surnames of similar origin include the Irish O’La hysterical, Lavin, and Leavy, as well as the Scottish surname Lorraine.
Though the surname is of Irish origin, it is not exclusive to the Emerald Isle. In the 19th century, many of the Irish began to migrate to the United Kingdom and the United States, taking the Lorrigan surname with them. The name can now be found in numerous countries around the world, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Famous people with the name Lorrigan
- Mary-Louise Parker, American actress
- Brian Lorrigan, American musician
- Stephanie Lorigan, Canadian actor and singer
- Niamh Lorrigan, Irish singer
- Séamus Lorrigan, Irish writer
- Chris Lorrigan, American collegiate basketball coach
- Emily Lorrigan, British novelist
- Leslie Lorrigan, English actress
- John Lorrigan, American missionary to China
- Joshua Lorrigan, Canadian ice hockey player