Find out how popular the first name Lorcan has been for the last 27 years (from 1997 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Lorcan by gender

Based on the last 27 years of data, Lorcan is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 17 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Lorcan.

The history of the first name Lorcan

The name Lorcan has its origins in the Irish language and culture, tracing back to the medieval period. It is derived from the Old Irish name "Lorcán," which itself is a diminutive form of the name "Lorc." The root "lorc" is believed to mean "small and fierce" or "little and fierce."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Lorcan can be found in the Annals of the Four Masters, a chronicle of medieval Irish history. The annals mention a King Lorcan mac Cathail who ruled over the Kingdom of Leinster in the 8th century AD. This suggests that the name was in use among the Irish nobility and ruling class during that time.

In the realm of Irish mythology, the name Lorcan is associated with the Tuatha Dé Danann, a race of supernatural beings who were said to have inhabited Ireland before the arrival of the Celts. One of the characters in Irish mythology bears the name Lorcan, although the details of this figure are somewhat obscure.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Lorcan. One of the most famous was Lorcan Ua Tuathail (1128-1180), an Irish king who ruled over the Kingdom of Thomond in the 12th century. Another notable figure was Lorcan O'Heerin (fl. 1420), an Irish poet and historian who compiled the Topographical Poems, a valuable source of information about medieval Ireland.

In more recent times, Lorcan Dempsey (1936-2012) was an Irish politician who served as a member of the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) for over 30 years. Lorcan Cranitch (1949-2023) was an Irish actor known for his roles in films like "Braveheart" and "The Wind That Shakes the Barley."

Lorcan Seigne (1924-2011) was a prominent Irish musician and composer who made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of traditional Irish music. His compositions and arrangements have been widely performed and recorded by various artists and ensembles.

While the name Lorcan may not be as common as some other Irish names today, it has a rich history and cultural significance that reflects the traditions and heritage of the Irish people.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Lorcan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Lorcan, please contact us.

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