Last Name Hagans

The surname "Hagans" is derived from the Gaelic personal name "Aodhagáin." It is primarily of Irish origin and can be traced back to ancient Celtic origins. The Gaelic name "Aodhagáin" is a diminutive form of the name "Aodh," which means "fire" or "fiery." Over time, the surname has undergone various anglicized spellings such as Hagan, Higgins, Hagan, Hanigan, Hagen, Haggan, and others, including Hagans. The name is most commonly found in Ireland, particularly in counties Derry, Tyrone, Sligo, and Roscommon. Some bearers of the surname Hagans have emigrated to other countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, spreading their family name across the globe.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hagans

The meaning and origin of the last name Hagans

The surname Hagans has an Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name Ó hÁgáin, meaning "descendant of Ágán." The name Ágán itself is believed to be derived from the Old Irish word "ág," which translates to "fire" in English. The surname Hagans is primarily found in the northern part of Ireland, particularly in counties Tyrone and Derry. It is believed to have originated from a sept that was located in County Londonderry, where they held considerable influence. Over time, as families migrated or their names were anglicized, variations of the name Hagans emerged, including Hagan and Haggan. The Hagans surname, like many Irish surnames, holds historical significance and serves as a link to ancestral connections, often tracing back to specific regions and family histories within Ireland.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hagans

The last name Hagans is predominantly found in the United States, particularly in the southern region. It is believed to have Irish origins, as many Irish immigrants settled in the southern states during the 18th and 19th centuries. Within the United States, states such as Kentucky, Texas, Tennessee, and Alabama have a higher concentration of individuals with the surname Hagans. Additionally, there may be smaller pockets of Hagans families in other parts of the country, but they may not be as prominent or numerous as in the southern states. Outside of the United States, the distribution of the last name Hagans is likely to be limited, with very few occurrences reported. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Hagans is closely tied to the historical migration patterns of Irish immigrants and their descendants in the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hagans

The last name Hagans, originating from Scotland, has a few variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some common variations include Hagan, Hagon, Hagen, Hagonson, and Hegh. These different spellings emerged due to various factors, such as changes in pronunciation, dialectical variations, or clerical errors in official records. Over time, as families migrated or people anglicized their surnames, different spellings evolved, resulting in this array of options to represent the surname Hagans. It is important to note that while these variations provide different spellings, they all refer to individuals who share the same ancestral lineage. Consequently, regardless of the spelling or variation, individuals with the last name Hagans, Hagan, Hagon, or any other similar spelling, can trace their roots back to Scotland and share a common heritage.

Famous people with the last name Hagans

One famous individual with the last name Hagans is Ed Hagans, an American civil rights activist and politician. He played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement in Memphis, Tennessee, and was one of the five original African American firefighters hired by the Memphis Fire Department in 1959, breaking the racial barrier in the department. Hagans later served as the city's first African American Public Works Commissioner and was known for his efforts in improving race relations and advocating for equal rights. Another notable figure is Tyler Hagans, a former professional basketball player. He played for teams in the NBA G League and internationally, displaying his skills and athleticism on the court. These individuals with the last name Hagans have made impactful contributions in their respective fields, leaving a lasting legacy and inspiring others.

Genealogical research on the last name Hagans

The research on the last name Hagans reveals an intriguing ancestral trail that finds its roots in Scotland. The surname Hagans is derived from the Old Norse personal name Hagi, meaning "field," and the suffix "an," indicating "son of." This suggests that the original bearer of the name was either the son of someone named Hagi or associated with a place called Hagi. As per available records, the Hagans family migrated to Ireland in the 17th century and settled primarily in County Tyrone. Over time, some members of the Hagans clan further migrated to other parts of the world, including the United States, where they became part of the vibrant Irish diaspora. The Hagans name carries a rich family history, with individuals having pursued diverse occupations ranging from farmers and laborers to professionals in various fields. As with any genealogical research, further exploration can unveil additional branches, connections, and stories within the extensive Hagans family tree.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Hagans"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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