Surname Hagan - Meaning and Origin

Unravelling the Genetic Tapestry: My Unexpected Etruscan Lineage Discovered through iGENEA DNA Test

My recent iGENEA DNA test, undertaken to uncover my lineage, led me to the unexpected discovery of roots in ancient Etruscan society outside the expected Irish and British ancestry linked with my Hagan surname. This revelation triggered an adventure into family history, unravelling a unique narrative of migration, marriage and heritage entangled in the threads of my DNA.

F. Hagan

Hagan: What does the surname Hagan mean?

Hagan is a surname with Irish origins, often used to represent descendants from the Gaelic "O hAgain" clan. The name normally translates to "descendant of a young lad" or "descendant of the young warrior." In ancient times, surnames were often given based on a person's job, location, or characteristics. The "O" in O'hAgain is a prefix indicating "grandson of" or "descended from," while "hAgain" refers to a young or small person. The usage of Hagan as a last name could possibly indicate that the ancestors of individuals bearing the name were likely young individuals who might have shown bravery or courage during combat. These names were passed down generations and evolved over time into the modern version Hagan. It is predominantly found in Northern Ireland, specifically in counties Tyrone and Derry.

Hagan: Where does the name Hagan come from?

The last name Hagan has Irish origins, derived from the Gaelic "Ó hÁgáin," meaning "descendant of Ógán." The name Ógán itself translates into "young." It represents a sept that was part of the larger Dal gCais (Dalcassians) tribal group, which inhabited the areas of Clare and Limerick.

Modern geographical distribution of the Hagan surname is primarily found in Anglophone countries due to Irish immigration over the centuries. Among these countries, it is particularly common in Ireland itself, as well as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. In the United States, the highest concentrations of people with the Hagan surname are found in Pennsylvania, New York, and Florida. Additionally, there is a noteworthy presence of Hagan families in Northern Ireland, especially in counties like Tyrone and Derry which saw significant settlement from the Dalcassians.

Variations of the surname Hagan

The surname Hagan has various spellings and variants based on geographical spread and regional accents. The original Gaelic form of the name Hagan is Ó hÁgáin,, which is derived from the word "óg," meaning "young." This surname is mainly seen in counties Tyrone, Derry, and Donegal in Ireland.

Variations of the surname Hagan include Hegan, O'Hagan, Heghan, and Egan. Other forms can also include Hagen, Haggan, and Hegan. It's also common to see the name with a prefix such as "O" (e.g., O'Hagan) which signifies "descendant of" in Irish surnames. Another related name is the surname "Egan" which is derived from "MacEgan," an anglicized form of the original Gaelic name.

The variants can also vary in spelling from the original surname due to emigration. For example, the emigrants from Ireland to America during the Great Famine in the 19th century had their names changed or misspelled due to language barriers.

As with other surnames, it's also possible that the surname could have different origins. For example, the surname Hagan is also reported to be of German origin, with the German surname Hagen deriving from a personal name or topographic name.

Famous people with the name Hagan

• Nina Hagen: A German singer and actress often referred to as the "Mother of Punk".
• Jon Hagan: An American professional Ice Hockey player who played with the Boston Bruins in the NHL.
• Cliff Hagan: A former professional basketball player who played his entire career for the St. Louis Hawks.
• Kay Hagan: Was a U.S. Senator from North Carolina known for her dedication to public service.
• Rutger Hauer Hagen: A Dutch actor who featured in many Hollywood movies.
• Bob Hagan: A representative of the Ohio House of Representatives.
• Georgia Hagan: An American model and actress.
• Matt Hagan: A professional race car driver participating in the National Hot Rod Association.
• Uli Hagan: A former professional footballer who played as a striker for Germany.
• Peter Hagan: An Irish-American businessman, founder of the Hagan Ice Cream Company.
• Jean Hagen: Was an American actress best known for her role in the film "Singing in the Rain."
• Molly Hagan: An American actress known for her work in television and film.
• Lisa Hagan: An Australian volleyball player who competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics.

Other surnames

HagaHagamanHagansHagar