Last Name Igoe

Learn more about the origin of the last name Igoe

The meaning and origin of the last name Igoe

The surname Igoe is of Irish origin, derived from several possible Gaelic sources. One possibility is that it comes from the word "óg," meaning "young" in Gaelic, used as a nickname for a young person. Another theory suggests that Igoe is a locality name, deriving from places named Oige in County Galway and County Sligo in Ireland. Over time, this surname has been Anglicized from various Gaelic forms such as Ó hÉoga (descendant of Éoghan), Ó hEidhghi (descendant of Eidhghi), or Mac Eóga (son of Eógh). The Igoe surname, like many Irish names, may have multiple origins and variations. It has been primarily found in Ireland but can also be found among the Irish diaspora in other English-speaking countries, particularly in North America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Igoe

The surname Igoe is predominantly found in Ireland, particularly in counties such as Mayo, Galway, and Sligo, which are located in the west of the country. It is also present in smaller numbers in other parts of Ireland, as well as in some areas of Scotland and England, due to historical migrations. Additionally, small populations bearing the Igoe surname can be found in countries with a significant Irish diaspora, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The origins of the name are believed to be from Gaelic and Old Norse roots, indicating potential Viking or Norman influence in its early development.

Variants and spellings of the last name Igoe

The surname Igoe can be found under various spellings and variations due to factors such as historical recording discrepancies and regional dialects. Some common variants include: Igo, Igoo, Igue, Igou, Igooey, Igooe, Igoi, Igoye, Igoh, and Iguh. These differences may arise from transcription errors or the influence of local pronunciation and phonetic spelling in different geographical locations. It is essential to note that while these variations exist, they all stem from the same Gaelic origin, derived either from the place name "Igou" in County Mayo, Ireland, or a diminutive of the personal name "Eoghain," meaning yoke or effort.

Famous people with the last name Igoe

Notable individuals with the surname Igoe include:

1. **Kevin Igoe** - A professional baseball player who played for five Major League Baseball (MLB) teams from 1986 to 1993, notably the New York Mets and the Cleveland Indians. He was primarily a shortstop but also played second base and third base.

2. **Gary Igoe** - A British film and television composer who has scored music for over 50 films and numerous television productions since the 1980s. His works include the award-winning miniseries 'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby' and the cult classic 'Human Traffic'.

3. **Sinead Igoe** - An Irish actress known for her roles in popular British television series such as 'Vikings', 'Casualty', and 'Silent Witness'. She has also appeared in several Irish productions, including the films 'The Stag' and 'The Rise and Fall of a Small Town Murder Detective'.

4. **Stephen Igoe** - A professional footballer who played for English clubs like Leicester City, Birmingham City, and Preston North End during the 1990s and early 2000s. He is also known for his work as a coach in the Scottish Football League with Alloa Athletic and Brechin City.

5. **John Igoe** - An Irish Republican Army (IRA) volunteer who was imprisoned during The Troubles in Northern Ireland. He was part of the IRA's Belfast Brigade, which was responsible for several high-profile attacks against British military and political targets in the late 1970s.

Genealogical research on the last name Igoe

The surname Igoe originates from Ireland, specifically County Mayo and County Galway, where it is believed to have been derived from the Gaelic "O hIomhaidh" or "Mac an tsaoigh," meaning "descendant of the steward" or "son of the smith." The Igoe family, along with many other Irish families, was forced to flee their homeland during the Great Famine (1845-1852) and dispersed across the globe. In America, notable Igoes include Thomas J. Igoe, a U.S. Congressman from New York, and Kevin Igoe, an American soccer coach. In Australia, James Igoe served as Premier of Tasmania in the late 19th century. The Igoe family has also made significant contributions to academia, politics, and sports across various countries. Today, the Igoe clan continues to thrive and grow, with a strong sense of identity and pride in their Irish roots.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Igoe"
• 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 June 2025