Surname Lanigan - Meaning and Origin
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Lanigan: What does the surname Lanigan mean?
The last name Lanigan is of Irish origin and can be found in significant numbers in the western counties of Ireland, particularly in counties Mayo and Galway. The name is believed to be derived from the Irish Gaelic “Ó'Lanigáin,” meaning “small champion” or “little follower.” It dates back to the 12th century, when it was first given to a family of fierce warriors.
The name eventually spread throughout the island of Ireland, and especially to the western counties. During the 17th century, large numbers of Irish people were forced to emigrate to the United States and the United Kingdom, taking the surname with them. It is now very common, particularly in the United States and England.
The surname Lanigan remains an important part of Ireland's history, and to this day there are many who bear this proud name. Many descendants of the once-fearsome warriors still carry the mark proudly, with its significance not forgotten. Those with the Lanigan surname are often viewed as strong, steadfast, and loyal individuals, and reflect the qualities of their ancient forebears.
Order DNA origin analysisLanigan: Where does the name Lanigan come from?
The surname Lanigan is common mainly throughout the English-speaking world, particularly in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
In Ireland, the surname Lanigan originates from the former provincial kingdom of Laigin, with the surname derived from "Lamh-gan," which means "the strong hand" in Gaelic. The most populous area of the surname in Ireland today is the county of Dublin, where it is the 56th most common surname.
In the United Kingdom, Lanigan is most often found in greater London, along with pockets of Scotland and Northern Ireland. In London specifically, Lanigan is the 1,170th most popular surname, with the population significantly larger in London than elsewhere in the UK.
In the United States, the surname Lanigan is most common in the state of Ohio, where it is the 802nd most common surname according to the 2000 Census. Beyond Ohio, the surname Lanigan is also relatively common in Pennsylvania, New York, and Texas.
The surname Lanigan is most commonly found in English-speaking countries, particularly Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The largest populations today live in Dublin, Ireland and in greater London, England as well as in the United States in the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Texas.
Variations of the surname Lanigan
The surname Lanigan is derived from the Irish name Ó Faoláin. This is a common Irish surname which has multiple spellings as well as different variants of the name. The different spellings include O'Lanigan, Leanaghan, Lannigan, Linnighan, Lanighan and Laningan.
The variant forms of the surname Lanigan are the surnames O’Lannergan, O’Lonnergan, O’Lonnengan, O’Lonnaghan, Lonergan and Lonnergan. These variants are derived from the Irish pronunciation of Ó Faoláin. Additionally, the spellings of Lonergan, alongside Lenogan, Lengen, Linnin, Lannin, Lenaghan and Lanaghan, are also used as alternative spellings of the surname Lanigan.
Other alternative spellings include the clan name Lynagh which originates from the ancient Irish clans. This name is distinct from the Ó Faoláin surname variants. The MacLanigan surname is another variant of the surname Lanigan which originated in Ulster, Ireland.
In conclusion, the surname Lanigan has a wide range of variants and spellings. Each variant has its own specific origin, giving the name multiple meanings and interpretations. As a result, the surname has diverse roots which range from the ancient Irish clans to the Ó Faoláin family. Although the spellings and variants of this name may seem to be complex, they are ultimately derivative of a single and common Irish surname.
Famous people with the name Lanigan
- Andrew Lanigan: Andrew Lanigan is an American soccer player who currently plays for400 USL Championship club Tampa Bay Rowdies as a midfielder.
- Frank Lanigan: Frank Lanigan was a Hall of Fame thoroughbred horse racing announcer, famous for his memorable calls during races, including the 1976 Kentucky Derby and the 1951 Preakness Stakes.
- Bill Lanigan: Bill Lanigan was a Major League Baseball player who played from 1895 to 1911. He was a catcher for nine teams, best known for his time with the Washington Senators.
- Jack Lanigan: Jack Lanigan was an American football player who played at the halfback position for the University of South Carolina. He was part of South Carolina's first national championship team in 1943.
- John Lanigan: John Lanigan is an American sports talk show host. He is the host of the nationally syndicated "The John Lanigan Show" which airs on FM stations throughout the United States.
- Bob Lanigan: Bob Lanigan was an American football player who played at the end position for the University of Notre Dame. He went on to be an assistant coach for the Buffalo Bills of the NFL.
- Gerry Lanigan: Gerry Lanigan is a character actor best known for appearing in the Irish television series “Fair City”.
- Mike Lanigan: Mike Lanigan is an actor and producer who appeared in the 1975 American comedy film “Tommy Boy”.
- MaryAnn Lanigan: MaryAnn Lanigan is an American Olympic swimmer who competed in the 1968 Summer Olympics.
- Sean Lanigan: Sean Lanigan is a former professional ice hockey player who spent six seasons in the NHL playing for the Philadelphia Flyers, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, and Florida Panthers.