Last Name Gogan

The surname Gogan is an Irish name with roots that can be traced back to at least the Early Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old Irish name Goagan, which was a patronymic meaning "descendant of Goigheann" or "servant of God." The name evolved over time and variations include Goggin, Gugan, and O'Gogan. The Gogans were an important family in County Clare during the Middle Ages, with one branch settling in Kildare around the 12th century. They were among the Irish families who were granted land in County Wexford by the English crown in the 16th and 17th centuries as part of the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland. The name is also found in Wales, where it may have originated from a Welsh personal name, Gwgan, which means "little warrior." In this context, the surname may have been brought to Ireland by Norman settlers during the medieval period.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Gogan

The surname Gogan is of Irish origin, derived from the Old Irish name Ó Goitheagáin or Mac Gofaing, which means "descendant of Goitheach" or "son of Gofogan". Goitheach was a personal name meaning "hostage" or "foreigner", and Gofogan is believed to be a diminutive of the Old Irish word gofan, meaning "smith". The name Gogan is predominantly found in Ireland, particularly in County Limerick and other parts of Munster. Over time, variations such as O'Goggin, Goggin, Googan, and others may have emerged due to anglicization and surname transformations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gogan

The surname Gogan is predominantly found in Ireland, particularly in County Clare and the surrounding regions. Historically, it originated from the ancient kingdom of Thomond, which encompasses modern-day counties Clare, Limerick, and parts of Tipperary. Over time, emigration led to the spread of the name Gogan outside Ireland, with significant populations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In these countries, concentrations of the surname can be found in urban centers such as Boston, Toronto, Sydney, and Auckland, indicating migration from rural areas in Ireland to these cities over the past few centuries. The Gogans are part of the Irish diaspora, with their name being a testament to the historical connections between Ireland and its expatriate communities worldwide.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gogan

The surname Gogan has several variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some common variants include Goggin, O'Gogain, MacGogan, and McGoogan. These variations are derived from the Irish name "Ó Goitín", which means "descendant of the little hook". The name is believed to have originated in County Cork, Ireland. Other less frequent variations may be found due to differences in transliteration and spelling conventions over time. For instance, some records might show Goggin as Goggin, Googan, or even O'Googin, reflecting regional pronunciation and scribal errors.

Famous people with the last name Gogan

The Gogan family has produced notable figures in various fields, including politics, sports, and entertainment. One prominent individual is Brian Gogan, an Irish politician who served as a member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2009, representing the Progressive Democrats party. In sports, Paul Gogan, also known as "Goggy," was a professional boxer from Northern Ireland who held the British Featherweight title in the 1960s. In entertainment, Peter Gogan is an Emmy-winning sound editor and re-recording mixer who has worked on numerous films, including the Star Wars saga and The Matrix trilogy. Lastly, Liam Gogan is a professional snooker player from Northern Ireland who reached the quarterfinals of the World Snooker Championship in 1984.

Genealogical research on the last name Gogan

The surname Gogan is primarily of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Mac Gogaín or O Gogaín, meaning descendant of Gogán. Historically, it was most prevalent in counties Clare and Limerick, where it is believed to have originated. The Gogans were a notable sept of the Dalcais, one of the four great tribes of Munster. Notable individuals bearing this name include St. Senan (also spelled Senoch), a 6th-century Irish saint who established several monasteries in counties Clare and Wexford; and Edward Gogan, who served as Lord Chancellor of Ireland from 1308 to 1310. The surname has also been found in Wales, where it is believed to have been anglicized from the Welsh ap Howell (son of Howell). Today, there are significant populations of Gogans in Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gogan"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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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