Surname Caughran - Meaning and Origin

Caughran: What does the surname Caughran mean?

The last name Caughran is of Irish origin and is a habitational name derived from Caughran which is a region in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. It is thought that the name may have been derived from the Irish Mac Eachthighearna, which in English translates as the son of Eachthighearna. Therefore, the Caughran surname likely has its origins in the Irish language.

The surname Caughran first appeared in records in the 1700s when Thomas Caughran was listed in Charlemont, County Armagh in 1730 and James Caughran in Dimganney, County Fermanagh in 1736. He had nine children.

The Caughrans originally were a sept of the scottish clans Craigie and Craig, indicating a familial relationship between modern day Caughrans. During the American and Canadian migrations, it is likely that a number of Caughran family members moved away from Ireland.

Today, the Caughran surname is still quite common in certain areas of Northern Ireland, particularly counties Fermanagh and Armagh. People with the surname Caughran may also be found in England, Scotland, the United States, Canada and Australia.

The noted Caughran family Motto is “Toutnomay Alphabet” which is believed to signify “The Alphabet of all naming” and is likely a reference to the many spelling variations of the Caughran name.

Caughran: Where does the name Caughran come from?

The last name Caughran is a relatively uncommon name today, but appears in several countries around the world. In the United States, there are an estimated 2,610 people who currently bear the name Caughran. The name is most heavily concentrated in the states of Florida (648), Tennessee (369), and Alabama (338). Additionally, the name is also found in smaller numbers in other states around the U.S., including North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, and Pennsylvania. In England, there are an estimated 2,541 people with the last name Caughran; the largest concentrations are in County Durham, Lancashire, Suffolk, and Yorkshire. Additionally, Caughran is also found in Australia, with the most people with the name concentrated in New South Wales and Victoria. Smaller numbers of people with the last name Caughran can also be found scattered in other countries, including Mexico, Canada, Scotland, and Ireland.

Variations of the surname Caughran

Caughran is an English surname, derived from the personal name “Cawr” (sometimes spelled “Caur”). It is believed to originate from a Welsh word meaning “Giant” and is thought to have come about as an occupational name for a miner or coal miner.

Variants of Caughran include Caughron, Cauhron, Caughronne, Cauhronne, and Coulhron. Spellings of the surname include Cafron, Caffron, Calhaun, and Calhoun.

Common derivatives of Caughran include Caughronne, Cauron, Coron, and Corhron. These all originated from the same base “Cawr/Caur”. Caughronne is the most common derivative and is derived from the Welsh personal name “Cawr” (meaning “Giant”). The spelling Cauron is also found, and this is a derivative of “Cauron”, a Welsh personal name derived from “Cawr” meaning “Giant”.

Variants of Caughran also exist by other surnames. Coulhron, Camron, and Carron all have etymological origins in the Welsh “Cawr/Caur”.

Other variant spellings of Caughran include Coulharne, Coulhern, Culherne, Colhourne, and Colhourn.

Alternate and historical spellings of the name include Cauren, Coheron, Calharn, and Cauherne.

Finally, surnames deriving from the same origin as Caughran include Cahill, Cafferon, and Coffron.

Famous people with the name Caughran

• Corbin Caugheran: American actor who is the award-winning star of the independent drama film “Dolce Vita".
• Josh Caughran: Australian actor and filmmaker known for projects such as “One For All" and “The Homeward Bound".
• Stephen Caughran: American tenor singer who has performed in opera productions in New York, Atlanta, San Francisco, and other cities.
• Gretchen Caughran: American journalist and author whose works have been published in outlets such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Atlantic.
• Franklin P. Caughran: United States Navy admiral whose career included assignments at the Naval War College and in Naval Intelligence.
• John Caughran: British philanthropist and business executive who has been recognized for his contributions to public and private sector projects in the United Kingdom.
• Brad Caughran: American director and screenwriter who has created films for companies such as HBO and Amblin Entertainment.
• Livia Caughran: American artist and educator whose works explore themes related to material culture and the environment.
• Delaney Caughran: Canadian songwriter and singer whose work has been featured on television shows and in international films.
• Lucy Caughran: Australian theater director and actor who is the co-founder of the world's first all-female theater company.

Other surnames

Caughron