Surname Eogan - Meaning and Origin

Eogan: What does the surname Eogan mean?

The surname Eogan is an anglicized form of the ancient Irish name of Ó hEógháin, which derives from the word “eó” meaning “yew tree". This distinctive name was first seen in the mid 12th century in the Eastern part of Connacht (modern-day County Galway). This area was the homeland to the famous O'Hara Clan, who were well known for their Fiery Red Hair. The modern day spelling of the name may also be found spelled as Egan or O'Egan and it is mainly found in Scotland and Ireland. Although the exact origin of this surname remains a mystery, the standard interpretation is that Eogan is a patronymic name which should be translated as “Descendants of Eóghan”.

The Gaelic form of the name Ó hEógháin was first recorded in 1172, when Donnchadh, son of Maelruain Ó hEóghain and Tráchtál Ó hEóghain, two heads of the same family, led an army in an uprising against the English occupation forces in Irish History. Other members of the O'Eogan clan have gone on to become famous political and military figures in Irish history, such as Captain Thomas O'Eogan, who went to India in 1693.

Although the Eogan name has strong Irish roots, it is still quite a popular surname in Scotland and in the UK as a whole. The highest concentration of Eogans is found in the city of Glasgow, Scotland.

In conclusion, the surname Eogan is a proud and strong Irish name with a long lineage, and a legacy of great accomplishments by members of the O'Eogan clan throughout the centuries.

Eogan: Where does the name Eogan come from?

The last name Eogan is most commonly found in Ireland, particularly in the southeastern parts of the country. The Irish surname "Eogan" dates back to pre-Norman days in Gaelic Ireland and could have descended from the powerful Uí Eoghainn (O'Egans) sept of Tyrone. The O'Egans were one of the leading Gaelic families in the province of Ulster and their descendents remain there, as well as throughout the Republic of Ireland.

Today, the Eogan surname can also be found in England, Scotland, Wales, Canada, Australia, and the United States. In the United States, the highest concentrations of individuals bearing the surname Eogan are found in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Virginia. Data from the United States Census Bureau suggests that the surname first started appearing in the United States in the late 19th century.

The last name Eogan is closely associated with Christianity and is generally believed to derive from the Middle Irish name 'eógan,' which comes from the Gaelic word éog, meaning "yew tree." Yew trees are known to be a symbol of resurrection in Christianity as they are among the few trees that quickly regrow after being cut down. Because of this, the surname Eogan typically connotes faith and strength.

Variations of the surname Eogan

The spelling variants and surnames of the same origin as Eogan includes the following: Ó hEoghain, Ó hEodhasa, Ó hEaghna, Mac Eógan, Mac Eoghain, Eoganachta, Eoghannach, Eoghannagh, Eoghannan, Eoghnan, Eoghon, Eoghanach, Eoganach and Eogann.

The surname Eogan is an ancient Irish Gaelic name, originally found in Magh Mucroma near Athenry in County Galway in the west of Ireland. The name falls within the Uí Fiachrach, a kingdom that encompassed traditional counties Sligo, Mayo and parts of Galway and Roscommon.

The original ancestor was Eogan, son of Fiachra, son of Oilill Olum, the third century ruler of Munster. According to the Leabhar Gabhala, in the 10th century, some of the descendants of Eogan went to Ulster, where they became the princes of Uí Tuirtri and the rulers of Tyrone until the coming of the Normans.

The Eogan surname occurs in all parts of the country with the major and most numerous concentrations being in Connacht and Munster. Descendants include scholars, antiquarians, historians and poets who all share the distinct legacy of Eogan.

Famous people with the name Eogan

• Harry Eogan: Harry is a British actor and writer. He started his acting career in 2008 with a role in Nickelodeon's Genie in the House. Since then, he has landed many television roles, including in BBC One's Catastrophe and Sky's Fortitude.
• Paddy Eogan: Paddy is an Irish musician. He was one of the founding members of the Celtic rock band Flook, and has released several successful solo albums. Paddy has toured all around the world, and is an acclaimed expert on the uilleann pipes.
• Conor Eogan: Conor is an Irish director of photography. He is known for his work on football documentaries, and his award-winning short films, such as Far Beyond. His MACIE Award for Best Cinematography was for his work on BBC's Class of 92.
• Bobby Eogan: Bobby is an Irish athlete. He is a member of the Ireland Paralympic Athletics team, and he won an bronze medal for Ireland in the men's 400m race at the IPC World Championships in Lyon, 2013.
• Joseph Eogan: Joseph is an American musician. He is best known for his harmonica playing, and he has released three albums, two of them reaching America's Elite Bluegrass chart. He is also an in-demand session musician, and has performed with many artists, such as Fleetwood Mac.

Other surnames

Eoganacht septs