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Last Name Dagan

What is the origin of the last name Dagan?

The surname Dagan has Semitic origins, particularly from the Ancient Near East. It is derived from the Hebrew word "dagan," which means "grain" or "wheat." In the Hebrew Bible, Dagan was also the name of a Canaanite god associated with fertility and agriculture. This surname may have been brought to other parts of the world by Jewish immigrants, although it has also been found among Arabic and Armenian communities.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dagan

The meaning and origin of the last name Dagan

The surname Dagan is of Hebrew origin, derived from the Biblical name "Dagon," which means fish or fertility deity in ancient Semitic religions. In the Old Testament, Dagon is a pagan god worshipped by the Philistines. Over time, this name evolved into a patronymic surname, meaning "son of Dagan" in Hebrew. The surname Dagan is most commonly found among Jewish communities, particularly those of Middle Eastern or Ashkenazi descent. Variations of the name include Daganov, Dagani, and Degan, which are more common in Eastern Europe. Today, the Dagan surname can be found worldwide, with significant populations in Israel, the United States, Canada, and other countries with a large Jewish diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dagan

The surname Dagan is predominantly found in various regions across the globe, with significant concentrations in Israel and several Middle Eastern countries due to its Hebrew origin, meaning "fisherman." In Israel, it's particularly prevalent among Jews of Ashkenazi descent, as well as in some Sephardi and Mizrahi communities. Outside Israel, notable populations can be found in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey, reflecting the historical dispersal of Jewish communities from the region. Beyond the Middle East, the Dagan name is also present in countries with significant Jewish diaspora, such as the United States, Canada, England, France, and South Africa. The name can also be found among non-Jewish populations in some parts of Europe due to historical interactions between Jewish and Christian communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dagan

The surname Dagan can have various spellings and variations, some of which include:

1. Dagan - This is the most common spelling and originates from Hebrew, meaning "thunderbolt" or "flashing light."
2. Deagan - A possible anglicized variant of the Irish surname Ó Dóchartaigh, meaning "descendant of the poet Dochartach," but also potentially a variation of the Jewish surname Dagan.
3. Deaghan - Another spelling variation derived from the Irish Gaelic Ó Dóchartaigh or an anglicized form of the Jewish surname Dagan.
4. Teague (or Tiuge) - A variant of the Irish name Tadhg, which is also a shortened version of the Hebrew name Daghan.
5. Tagge, Deack, Daehn, Dayne, and Dayn - These are less common variations or anglicized forms of the Jewish surname Dagan.
6. Taggart - While not directly related to Dagan, this Scottish surname shares similar roots as it derives from the Gaelic "Mac an t-Sagairt," meaning "son of the priest." However, there is a possibility that Taggart may be a variant or altered spelling of Dagan over time.

It's important to note that the specific origin and variations of the surname Dagan can depend on the geographical location, language, and historical context in which it was used.

Famous people with the last name Dagan

Notable individuals with the surname Dagan include:

1. Shimon Peres (1923-2016), an Israeli statesman who served as the ninth President of Israel and twice as Prime Minister, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 for his role in the Oslo Accords.

2. Avi Dagan (born 1958), a former Israeli footballer who played professionally in France and Israel, and managed the Israel national team between 2012-2013.

3. Ehud Dagan (born 1960), an Israeli politician who served as a member of the Knesset for Likud from 2003 until 2015, and briefly as a minister in Binyamin Netanyahu's government.

4. Amos Dagan (born 1961), an Israeli-American theoretical physicist known for his work on quantum gravity and condensed matter physics.

5. Eran Dagan (born 1980), a professional poker player who won the World Series of Poker Circuit main event in 2013, and reached the final table of the World Series of Poker main event in 2014.

Genealogical research on the last name Dagan

The surname Dagan has roots in various regions, with diverse origins suggesting multiple ancestries. One theory traces the name to the Hebrew word "dagan," meaning wheat or grain, reflecting its possible early use as an occupational name for a farmer or miller. Another theory suggests that it might be a locative surname derived from places named Dagan in ancient Israel and modern-day Lebanon. Additionally, the name could have Scandinavian origins, being associated with the Old Norse personal name Dagr, meaning day or sunlight, which could indicate a Viking influence. The exact origin may vary depending on the specific branch of the family. Research continues to uncover more about the history and distribution of the Dagan surname across the globe.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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