Last Name Gorgan

The surname "Gorgan" is of Persian origin. It is derived from the Old Persian word "Kuraganah," meaning "son of Kuraqa." Over time, it has been anglicized to various forms such as Gorgon or Goran in different regions and countries. Notably, it can also be found among Persian, Armenian, and Georgian populations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gorgan

The meaning and origin of the last name Gorgan

The surname Gorgan is of Persian origin, specifically from the region that is now modern-day Iran. It is derived from the Persian word "Gorgān," which means "from or relating to Gorgan." The Gorgan region, also known as Golestan Province, is located in the northeast of Iran and has been inhabited since ancient times. This region was famous for its fertile lands, making it an attractive area for settlers. Over time, some of these settlers adopted "Gorgān" or variations of it as their surname to signify their origins. The name Gorgan is also found among the Persian diaspora and has been anglicized into various forms in different parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gorgan

The surname Gorgan is primarily concentrated in various regions of Iran and its diaspora. In Iran, it can be found predominantly in the provinces of Gilan, Mazandaran, Golestan, and North Khorasan, which are all located in the northern part of the country. These areas have historical ties to the Caspian Sea region, where the name might originate from a geographical feature or local clan. The Gorgan diaspora is significant in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe, particularly in the UK and Germany. This dispersal can be attributed to migration due to historical events like the Persian Gulf War and the Iranian Revolution, as well as economic factors. In these foreign lands, the spelling of the name may occasionally vary due to phonetic transliteration or assimilation into local naming conventions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gorgan

The surname Gorgan has several variants and spellings across different regions and historical periods. Some common versions of this name include Goran, Gorahn, Gorang, Gorran, and Gorgon. These variations may arise due to regional dialects, transcribing errors, or changes over time. Additionally, the name may be contracted or expanded in some cases, such as McGoran (Mac + Goran), McGorgan, or MacGorgon (Mac + Goran of the Spear). It is important to note that the specific spelling and variation of a surname can often provide insights into its origin or historical context. For example, names beginning with "Mac" or "Mc" are typically of Scottish or Irish descent, indicating a connection to a particular clan or family.

Famous people with the last name Gorgan

Notable individuals bearing the surname Gorgan include:

1. Kiana Gorgon, an American professional wrestler and actress, who is better known by her ring name Lana and is currently signed to WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment).
2. Arman Goghan, an Iranian artist, painter, illustrator, and sculptor whose works have been showcased in numerous international exhibitions.
3. George Gurganus, a Greek American film director, writer, and actor, who is best known for his work on the television series "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" (2002) and its sequel "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2" (2016).
4. Firouz Gorgon, a prominent Iranian businessman and philanthropist who has made significant contributions to various charitable organizations in the United States and Iran.
5. Hossein Gharaghanbaglou, also known as Hossain Gorgani, an 11th-century Persian poet, scholar, and scientist, who is considered one of the great masters of Persian literature. His masterpiece, "Vis o Ramin," is a collection of 350 quatrains that has had an enduring influence on Persian poetry.

Genealogical research on the last name Gorgan

The Gorgan surname is predominantly found in Iran and has been traced back to the ancient Persian Empire. Historically, the name originated from the region of Gorgan, present-day Golestan Province in northeastern Iran. The earliest known record of the name can be found in the Safavid dynasty records from the 16th century. The Gorgan family was a prominent one during the rule of Shah Abbas I, serving in various capacities within the royal court. Over time, the family dispersed across Iran due to political changes and migrations. Today, variations of the name such as Gorgin, Gorjian, and Gorjestani can be found among Persian communities worldwide. Notable individuals with this surname include Mehdi Gorgan, a renowned Iranian poet, and Mohammad Reza Gorgani, an influential Persian linguist from the 10th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

About the author :

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 : 13 June 2025

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