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Last Name Hogan

What is the origin of the last name Hogan?

The surname Hogan is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "O hOgáin" or "Mac Eochaidh." The name translates to mean either 'descendant of Eoghan' (Eoghan being a common Irish name meaning 'born summer') or 'son of Eochaid,' a royal title. The surname Hogan is most prominent in Ireland, particularly in counties such as Tipperary and Limerick. It's important to note that surnames did not become widespread in Ireland until after the Norman conquest in the 12th century.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hogan

The meaning and origin of the last name Hogan

The surname Hogan is an Anglicized version of the Irish name Ó hÓgáin, which means "descendant of hÓgáin." It originates from Ireland and is found predominantly among Gaels, a people who speak the Irish language and have lived in Ireland for thousands of years. The Gaelic name hÓgáin is derived from the personal name Óg, meaning 'young' or 'youthful.' Over the centuries, as Irish immigrants left their homeland due to famine and political strife, they brought their names with them, and Hogan became a common surname among the Irish diaspora in countries such as the United States and Canada. Notable individuals bearing this name include boxer Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Clay), who claimed descent from the O'Hougans of County Limerick, and actor Tom Hanks, whose ancestors emigrated from County Wexford in the 1840s.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hogan

The surname Hogan is primarily of Irish origin and has a significant presence in various parts of the world due to Irish migration, particularly during the Great Famine in the mid-19th century. In Ireland, counties such as Roscommon, Galway, and Mayo have historically high concentrations of people with the surname Hogan. Outside Ireland, notable populations can be found in the United States, especially in states like Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York, reflecting the large-scale Irish immigration to America during the 19th century. Additionally, Australia, Canada, and England also have significant populations with the last name Hogan, often due to continued migration from Ireland or through further diaspora from the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hogan

The surname Hogan has several variants and spellings, primarily due to spelling changes during transcriptions over time and regional differences. Some common variations include O'Hogan, Hagan, O'Hagen, MacHughan, MacHogan, and O'Huican. In Ireland, it is a Gaelic name originating from the Ó hÉodáin sept of County Clare and Tipperary, which translates to "descendant of Éodán," with Éodán being an old Irish personal name. The anglicized form Hogan emerged as a result of English influence. Other variations like Heghan or Heaghan are more rare and may have originated from the same root but underwent further modifications during migration or assimilation.

Famous people with the last name Hogan

Notable individuals with the surname Hogan include:

1. Hulk Hogan (Terry Gene Bollea), an American professional wrestler, actor, television personality, and musician who rose to fame in the World Wrestling Entertainment during the 1980s and 1990s.

2. Jack Hogan (John Francis Hogan), a prominent American sports journalist who covered boxing for the New York Daily News and Ring Magazine for over four decades. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1996.

3. Ben Hogan (William Benjamin Hogan), a legendary professional golfer from the United States, nicknamed "The Hawk." He won nine major championships, including back-to-back U.S. Opens in 1950 and 1951, known as the "Hogan Slam."

4. Brian Hogan, an American college football player who gained attention for returning a stolen Heisman Trophy to authorities in 2014. His actions were praised for his integrity.

Genealogical research on the last name Hogan

The surname Hogan is an anglicized form of the Irish name Ó hÓgáin, which translates to "descendant of Ógán". This Gaelic name was originally derived from a personal name Ógán, meaning "young" or "handsome." The Hogan family originated in County Clare, Ireland, where they were Chiefs of the Corcu Baiscinn sept. They migrated to Connacht during the 15th century and later settled in Counties Galway and Mayo. In the 19th century, many Hogans emigrated from Ireland due to famine and economic hardship, particularly to the United States, Canada, Australia, and Great Britain. Notable individuals with this surname include actor Martin Sheen, boxer James J. Jeffries, and musician Van Morrison. The Hogan clan still maintains a strong presence in Ireland, where they celebrate their heritage at annual Gaelic sports festivals.

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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