Surname Kehigan - Meaning and Origin
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Kehigan: What does the surname Kehigan mean?
The last name Kehigan is an anglicised version of the Irish surname O'Céideaghain which has the same pronunciation. O'Céideaghain is a derivation from the Irish Gaelic surname, Ó Céideagh, meaning "descendant of Céideagh". The prefix "Ó" indicates a descendant of and the name Céideagh originally meant a "heifer keeper".
The Kehigan surname is commonly associated with County Wexford in Ireland and it is likely the family has some association with this area. The Kehigan's were likely a part of the local patronymic system which identifies people through their father's name and was an important part of the early Irish social structure.
Today, Kehigan is a relatively uncommon last name, with individuals from the surname found mainly in Ireland, followed by the United Kingdom and then the United States.
The Kehigan surname and its original variations, O'Céideaghain and Ó Céideagh, link individuals to their society, language, culture and homeland. It also serves as a reminder of the family’s past, as well as a unique identity.
Order DNA origin analysisKehigan: Where does the name Kehigan come from?
The last name Kehigan is most closely associated with Ireland and its diaspora. It is an Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic surname "Ó Caodhagáin," which is derived from the Irish word caodh, meaning ‘gentle, kind’.
Today, the surname is most commonly found in Ireland. However, Kehigan is also a longstanding Irish-American name, becoming widespread throughout the United States since the 19th century. Kehigan is not as common in other countries, but it can be found in some parts of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and others with significant Irish populations. According to official census documents, the name Kehigan is present in many major American cities, including New York City, Boston, and Chicago.
The surname Kehigan may be especially prevalent in parts of the Midwestern United States, in areas such as Iowa, Nebraska, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. As Irish immigration to America surged in the 19th century, Kehigans spread to small towns and farming communities throughout these Midwestern states.
In modern times, the Kehigan name remains connected to Ireland and its diaspora. While the surname is not as popular as in past generations, it is still found in many parts of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and beyond.
Variations of the surname Kehigan
Kehigan is an Irish surname derived from the Irish Gaelic Ó Cadhagáin, meaning "descendant of Cadhagán." This surname is usually found in County Mayo, Ireland. Variations of the Kehigan surname include Kehegan, Kehegan, Keggan, Keagan, Keaghan, Keggan, Keggan, Cadhagan, Cadhagan, and Kayeghan. Additionally, some Kehigan families have changed their surname to confuse possible persecutors or to make it easier for pronouncement in other countries. This includes such variants as Keegan, Kegan, Cagegan, Keiggan, Keeaghan, O'Cahagan, O'Keenan, and Cagheny.
The Kehigan surname is also present in countries around the world, with variations based on regional dialects or language. In the Philippines, for example, the surname is typically spelled as Keghan or Keeghan. Similarly, in the United States and Canada, the surname is found spelled as Keghan, Keeghan, Keagan, or Keegan.
The Kehigan surname has many different permutations and variations in numerous countries around the world. This could be due to immigration, intermarriage, or changing a surname to make it more pronounceable. Even if two people with the same surname may have ancestors from different parts of the world, it is possible they may all share a common origin.
Famous people with the name Kehigan
- Amy Kehigan: Actor and musician who writes and performs her own music.
- Brodie Kehigan: Professional mixed martial artist and kickboxer.
- Christopher Kehigan: Award-winning screenwriter and producer.
- Jay Kehigan: Irish-American retired professional wrestler.
- Tommy Kehigan: Former Professional Hockey League player for the Springfield Falcons.
- Trish Kehigan: Helping professional who spent over 10 years working with individuals with various developmental disabilities.
- Zachary Kehigan: Actor who has appeared in films such as Inception, Public Enemies and Kick-Ass.
- Ryan Kehigan: Director of Content for the global digital advertising agency Razorfish.
- Finola Kehigan: Broadcaster and journalist who was the London correspondent for RTE Ireland radio and television.
- Rob Kehigan: Musician and songwriter who was a member of the bands The Belleipeppers and A Great Big Pile Of Leaves.