The given name Logan is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "lagan" meaning "little hollow" or "small valley." Its origins can be traced back to the 16th century in the Scottish Highlands.

The name Logan is believed to have first appeared in historical records in the 1500s, referring to a Scottish clan in the region of Ayrshire. The Logan Clan was known for their involvement in battles against the English during the Scottish Wars of Independence.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Logan is found in the Ragman Rolls, a series of documents from 1296 that documented Scottish landowners who swore allegiance to King Edward I of England. The name appears as "Logan de Restra" and "Logan de Gowyr."

In the 17th century, the name gained popularity among Quakers in England and later in the American colonies. One notable figure was James Logan (1674-1751), a Quaker leader, scholar, and statesman who served as the secretary of the Province of Pennsylvania and as the acting governor on several occasions.

Another famous bearer of the name was John Logan (1748-1788), a Scottish playwright and poet best known for his tragedy "Runnamede" and his unfinished work "The Professed Prince." He was also a lecturer on rhetoric and belles-lettres at the University of Edinburgh.

In the 19th century, the name was popularized by the American frontier figure James Logan (1819-1892), also known as "Old Rip" Logan, a Confederate guerrilla fighter during the American Civil War.

Another notable figure was Sir William Edmond Logan (1798-1875), a Canadian geologist and founder of the Geological Survey of Canada. He was instrumental in mapping the geology of the Canadian Shield and is considered one of the founders of modern geology in Canada.

John Alexander Logan (1826-1886) was a prominent American soldier and politician who served as a general in the Union Army during the Civil War and later as a Senator from Illinois. He was also the running mate of James G. Blaine in the 1884 presidential election.