Surname Cadigan - Meaning and Origin
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Cadigan: What does the surname Cadigan mean?
The last name Cadigan is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic Ó Cadáigh, which translates to ‘descendant of Cadáigh’. The Gaelic name is derived from "cadach," which means warrior. It is believed the individuals who bore the surname were likely warriors, hunters, or foresters who lived in the regions of Connacht and Tipperary.
The Cadigans were originally part of the Northern Uí Neill, a powerful kingdom of clans that included the O’Neill’s of Tyrone and the O’Donnells of Donegal. Because of their strong ties to the royal family, the Cadigans were likely associated with those clans and other high-ranking members of the aristocracy.
Cadigans were known to have been involved in many battles including the 1500s Battle of Knockavoe, which saw them join forces with the O’Neills and the O’Donnells to defend against the English. The surname became much more common in Ireland over time, most likely due to their impressive military prowess and loyalty to the royal family.
The surname is still found in parts of Ireland today and many of the original Cadigans are believed to have immigrated to the United States, Canada, and Australia. Many of those who bear the Cadigan name today offer a unique glimpse into the rich history of Irish clans.
Order DNA origin analysisCadigan: Where does the name Cadigan come from?
The last name Cadigan is widely spread throughout different countries, but more often found in English-speaking countries. To start, it is very common in Ireland, where it is thought to be derived from a Gaelic surname. In the United States, the last name is especially prominent in the New England states, which were founded by early Irish and Scottish immigrants. Furthermore, states such as Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania also have a large population of the Cadigan last name.
In terms of international reaches, the Cadigan last name is found throughout Canada and Australia. It is also not uncommon to find it in other parts of Europe, particularly parts of Germany. Further travels would take one to Jamaica, where many with the Cadigan surname have descended from Irish immigrants.
In general, the last name is not especially rare, though its occurrence can vary depending on geographic location. However, it carries with it a legacy that has spread to numerous countries, the result of a proud Celtic heritage.
Variations of the surname Cadigan
The surname Cadigan is a modern spelling of the ancient Irish surname Cadeagán, meaning “little battle”. It is most commonly found in Ulster and, as such, its variants and spellings tend to revolve around the Anglicisation of Irish Gaelic surnames.
Common variants and spellings of Cadigan are Cadegan, Cadden, Caden, Cadagan and Cadaghan. They are all pronounced identically.
It is also common to find the surname spelled as Caidigan, which is the more modernised, Ulster variant of the spelling. This is more rooted in Scottish tradition, where it is commonly pronounced as ‘Ceddy-gun’.
Surnames of the same origin can sometimes be found with slight variations of spelling. The most common variations include Cadnegan, Cadanoun, Cadigagan, andCadiganne.
Other frequent variations include Cadigano, Cadignan, Codagan, Codagen, Codaggon, and Condigan.
Surnames of the same origin as Cadigan can also be found spelt in different ways depending on the language or dialect associated with the person or family. For example, in Welsh the surname can be found as Cadogan or Cadwgan.
All of these spellings are variations of the same surname. In some families, the oldest spelling of the surname is often retained, while others have adopted the more modern variations. Ultimately, the spelling of the surname is up to the individual.
Famous people with the name Cadigan
- Patrick Cadigan: a Jesuit priest and former professor of spiritual theology.
- Peter Cadigan: an American novelist and a series editor for Aspect magazine.
- Robert Cadigan: an American historian and author of several books about slavery in Virginia.
- Ryan Cadigan: an American professional wrestler.
- Stephen Cadigan: an American attorney and partner at Ballard Spahr.
- Teresa Cadigan: an American chef and contestant on the sixth season of MasterChef.
- Tom Cadigan: an American artist acknowledged for his abstract paintings.
- Tony Cadigan: an Irish television producer and director.
- Tyler Cadigan: an American athlete and World Extreme Skiing Champion.
- William Cadigan: a New Zealand cricketer.