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

Karrigan, 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 Karrigan surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Karrigan in America

Karrigan is the 142819th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Karrigan surname appeared 107 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 Karrigan.

The history of the last name Karrigan

The surname Karrigan is of Irish origin, tracing its roots back to ancient times in Ireland. It is derived from the Gaelic name Ó Corragáin, which signifies "descendant of Corragán." The root word "Corragán" likely stems from "corr," meaning spear or pointed, which might suggest a family known for its warriors or hunters. This name originally comes from the regions of Connacht and Ulster, where the Irish Gaelic language and culture thrived.

Historical references to similar spellings can be found in medieval manuscripts, such as the Annals of the Four Masters, one of Ireland's most extensive chronicles, which recorded many of the prominent families and clans. Variations such as Carrigan and Kerrigan were also common, reflecting regional differences in pronunciation and spelling over time.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is from the 12th century where a Cormac Ó Corragáin is mentioned in the annals as a chieftain in what is now County Roscommon. During the 14th century, another notable bearer, Seán Ó Corragáin, emerged as a poet whose works were known in the scholarly circles of the time. His contributions to Irish literature are still acknowledged today.

In the 17th century, the name appears in land surveys and legal documents, such as the Down Survey conducted by the English to record land ownership in Ireland. Here, a Teige Carrigan is listed as a landholder in County Sligo in the late 1650s. This period saw many families such as the Karrigans making significant transitions amid changing political landscapes.

Moving into the 19th century, a prominent figure with the name was Dr. Michael Karrigan (1805–1886), who played a crucial role in the Irish medical community. He was known not only for his medical practice but also for his efforts during the Great Famine, providing aid and medical assistance to the afflicted populace.

Another historically significant bearer of the name is Thomas Karrigan (1843–1901), who migrated to the United States during the wave of Irish immigration in the late 19th century. He became a well-known labor leader, advocating for workers' rights and making substantial contributions to the labor movement in New York City.

Today, the surname Karrigan continues to evoke the heritage and history of Ireland, carrying with it centuries of legacy and cultural significance.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Karrigan

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

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 Karrigan 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 Karrigan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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