Find out how popular the last name Drogan is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Drogan.

Drogan, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Drogan surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Drogan in America

Drogan is the 141788th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Drogan surname appeared 108 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Drogan.

The history of the last name Drogan

The surname Drogan is believed to have its origins in the early medieval period, primarily from regions in Western Europe. The earliest records suggest that it may have roots in Ireland and potentially in areas such as Normandy in France. The name likely derives from the Old Irish personal name "Droigán," which means "dragon" or "leader" in some ancient texts, indicative of strength and leadership. In French, the surname could be related to "Drogon," which also has historical connotations linked to valor and might.

Historically, the name Drogan appears in manuscripts and records dating back several centuries. One of the earliest known references can be traced to the early 9th century. Drogo of Metz (801-855), a notable Frankish Bishop and the illegitimate son of Charles Martel, bore a similar name, indicating the presence and significance of the name Drogan or variations thereof in noble or ecclesiastical circles. Although not identical, the variations like Drogo and Drogon show the transformation of the name over time and its spread across different regions.

In the historical Greater Ireland region, the surname Drogan emerged in several old Gaelic texts, particularly from the 11th and 12th centuries. These records often noted individuals of some prominence bearing the surname, indicating roles in local governance or notable families. In medieval France, the name appears in the records during the Norman Conquest period.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the surname in Irish annals is Cathal Drogan, a chieftain from the region of Connacht, documented around the late 1000s. This lineage suggests the name's association with leadership and regional importance.

Another significant figure is Drogan FitzGilbert, born around 1022 and known to have participated in the Norman expeditions throughout Europe, further illustrating the name's military connections and the wanderlust of people bearing it.

Fields like astronomy also witnessed the emergence of individuals with the surname Drogan. Astronomer Patrick Drogan (1678-1734), known for his early celestial mappings, made considerable contributions during his career in the early 18th century.

In literature, Seamus Drogan (1731-1790), an Irish poet and scribe, is remembered for his written works that shed light on Irish folklore and history. His compositions often celebrated the heroic and mythical undertones of the name, reinforcing its association with strength and resilience.

Lastly, in the realm of exploration, Donal Drogan (1690-1754), a navigator from County Cork, became well-known for his sea voyages that expanded trade routes between Ireland and the New World. His pioneering efforts and adventurous spirit embody the essence of the name.

The surname Drogan, with its rich historical tapestry, reflects a lineage steeped in leadership, exploration, and intellectual contributions that have sprinkled chapters across centuries in various regions of Europe.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Drogan

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Drogan.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Drogan was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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