Surname Cogan - Meaning and Origin
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Cogan: What does the surname Cogan mean?
Cogan is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic "Ó Cogáin". The meaning of the name is "young warrior", implying that the initial bearers of this surname possibly belonged to a family of warriors or strong fighters. The specifics of the spelling and pronunciation have been Anglicized over time. In Ireland, Cogans are prevalent mainly in the province of Munster, specifically in County Cork. It is also common in English-speaking countries due to Irish immigration, especially in the United States. Like many surnames, it may also have variants such as Coogan, Gogan, and Coggan.
Order DNA origin analysisCogan: Where does the name Cogan come from?
The surname Cogan is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "MacCogadhain," which means "son of little spear." It originates from the ancient kingdom of Ui Maine (Hy Many) located in Galway and Roscommon counties, in Connacht, Ireland. Most bearers of the Cogan name during the Middle Ages were found in this region.
In modern times, the surname has been widely dispersed due to migration. Today, it can be found predominantly in Ireland and the United States, specifically in areas where Irish immigrants historically settled, such as Massachusetts and New York. It is also relatively common in other English-speaking countries including Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, due to the emigration patterns from Ireland during the 19th and 20th centuries. However, compared to many other Irish surnames, Cogan is still quite rare.
Variations of the surname Cogan
The surname Cogan has varied spellings and origins. It is of Irish, English, and Jewish (Ashkenazic) descent, each with its unique variations.
For its Irish origin, it may derive from the Old Gaelic name "O'Cogan", meaning "descendant of Cogan". Variants of Irish Cogan include Coggan, Coggin, Coggins, Coggan, and Goggan.
The English variation of Cogan origins from a Cantref in Glamorganshire. The English surname's recorded spellings include Cogan, Coogan, and Gogan. Sometimes it is also spelled as Coggan, Coggen, Coggin, and Coggon.
The Jewish variant is also spelled as Kogan or Cohen and refers to a priest. It is important to note that not every bearer of the surname Cohen or Kogan, especially in Ukraine, Moldova, and other parts of Eastern Europe, is a priest. This might be due to the adoption of prestigious surnames during the period of surname assignment.
Overall, the surname Cogan has numerous variants and spellings, each reflecting unique aspects of its family history and roots. The diverse origins contribute to the multicultural dimensions of this surname.
Famous people with the name Cogan
- Alma Cogan: An English singer of traditional pop music in the 1950s and early 1960s. Dubbed as the "Girl with a Laugh in Her Voice", she was one of the most successful and highest paid female singers of her time.
- Kenny Cogan: An American final cut barber and celebrity hairstylist known as "The Legend". He worked with clients, including Jamie Foxx, The Weeknd, Miguel, Future, YG, Steve Harvey, and many others.
- Brian Cogan: A Senior United States District Judge who dealt with high-profile cases such as Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán's trial.
- Sandy Cogan: An American singer-songwriter, who writes and performs her songs for both kids and adults.
- Kristin Cogan: An American actress best known for her roles in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Avengers: Infinity War.
- Myron Cogan: An American actor known for his roles in The Killer That Stalked New York, Beware of Blondie, and Revenue Agent.
- Mickey Cogan: Character in Clifford Odets's 1935 play "Awake and Sing!", which was also turned into a movie.
- Aislinn Cogan: An Irish stage and film actress known for her roles in productions like "7 Minutes", "In the Heart of the Sea", and "Kill Your Darlings".