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Last Name Igoe

What is the origin of the last name Igoe?

The surname Igoe originated in Ireland. It is believed to be of Gaelic origin, derived from the Gaelic name Mac Aodha, meaning "son of Aodh." Aodh was a common personal name in Ireland, meaning "fire" or "bringer of fire." The Igoe surname is predominantly found in counties Mayo and Sligo in Ireland.

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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 and is believed to be derived from the Gaelic name "O'hAodha," which means "descendant of Aodh," a traditional Irish name meaning "fire" or "brightness." The name can also be translated as "son of the learned one" or "son of Fire." The Igoe surname is primarily found in counties Mayo and Sligo in Ireland, with variations of the name including Egan and Haughey. It is possible that the Igoe family originally held a prestigious position as scholars or teachers within the community, hence the association with learned or fiery qualities. As with many Irish surnames, the history and meaning of the name have evolved over time, reflecting the varied experiences and cultural influences of the Irish people.

Geographical distribution of the last name Igoe

The last name Igoe is most commonly found in Ireland, particularly in County Mayo and County Roscommon. However, Igoe can also be found in smaller numbers in the United States, specifically in states such as New York, Illinois, and California where Irish immigrants settled. The name is of Gaelic origin, derived from the Irish surname "Ó hÍochai", meaning "descendant of Íochaidh". It is believed that the Igoe surname has its roots in the ancient tribal societies of Ireland, with early recordings dating back to the 16th century. Today, the surname Igoe is relatively rare and primarily found within the Irish and Irish-American communities. The distribution of the name suggests a strong connection to Irish heritage and history, with a concentration of individuals with this surname still residing in the traditional Irish homeland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Igoe

The last name Igoe can be spelled in a variety of ways including Egoe, Igowe, Igo, and Igoea. Other possible variations of this surname could include Igow, Igoh, and Ighoe. The spelling of surnames can often be influenced by factors such as immigration, dialect, or simply personal preference. In some cases, individuals with the last name Igoe may choose to anglicize the spelling to make it easier for others to pronounce or remember. Regardless of the specific spelling, the origin of the name Igoe is Irish, and it is believed to have Gaelic roots. Over time, the spelling may have been changed or altered as the name was passed down through generations. Despite the variations in spelling, the name Igoe remains a common and distinct surname in many English-speaking countries.

Famous people with the last name Igoe

There are no famous people with the last name Igoe. The name Igoe is not a common surname in mainstream popular culture, and there are no well-known individuals with this particular last name. It is possible that there are individuals with the last name Igoe who have made notable contributions in their respective fields or who have achieved success in their careers, but they are not widely recognized in the public eye. While there may be lesser-known figures or talented individuals with the surname Igoe, they have not reached the level of fame or recognition as other well-known personalities in various industries.

Genealogical research on the last name Igoe

The surname Igoe has Irish origins and is believed to be derived from the Gaelic name "O’hAoigh," which means descendant of the descendant of the shepherd. The Igoe family can be traced back to County Roscommon in Ireland, where they were primarily found in the town of Ballaghaderreen. The name spread throughout Ireland and eventually to other countries, particularly the United States, where many Igoe families immigrated during the 19th and 20th centuries. Records show that the Igoe surname has variations such as Igo, Ego, and Igues. The family is known for its strong ties to farming and agriculture, as well as a reputation for hard work and resilience. Today, individuals with the last name Igoe can be found in various parts of the world, maintaining their cultural heritage and familial connections.

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 : 7 June 2025

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