Egan

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Egan

Gender Boy
Origin Celtic
Letters 4
Syllables 2
Pronunciation EE-gan

Egan, which has 4 letters and 2 syllables, is a male name of Celtic origin.

Meaning of Egan

Little fire

Egan is an Irish name derived from the Gaelic Aodhagán meaning 'fire'. It is sometimes anglicized as Aiden or Aidan, but the original form of the name is Egan.

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Meaning Little fire
Origin Celtic
Gender Boy
Rarity (US) Rare (Not in top 1000)

Background & History of The Name Egan

Egan is an Irish surname originated from the Gaelic name "Mac Aodhagáin," meaning "son of Aodhagán." Aodhagán is derived from the Irish given name Aodh, meaning "fire." The Egan family name can be traced back to ancient Ireland, specifically to County Tipperary in the province of Munster. The Egans were part of the Dál gCais tribe, which was prominent in Munster during the medieval period.

Notable individuals with the surname Egan have made significant contributions to various fields. In the literary realm, the Irish novelist and short story writer Jennifer Egan gained recognition for her works, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "A Visit from the Goon Squad." In the sports world, Brendan Egan, an Irish Gaelic footballer, has had a successful career playing for the Sligo county team.

The name Egan has also become popular as a given name. It has been adapted with variations such as Eagan or Eagen. As a given name, Egan has a masculine and distinctive sound. It embodies strength and individuality, making it a choice for parents seeking a unique name for their child.

In addition to its Irish origins, the name Egan has spread beyond Ireland to other English-speaking countries. Many individuals with the surname Egan have emigrated from Ireland, particularly during the Great Famine in the 19th century. As a result, the name can be found among Irish diaspora communities, particularly in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Overall, the name Egan holds cultural and historical significance as a prominent Irish surname with roots tracing back centuries. Along with its use as a surname, Egan has also gained recognition as a given name, appreciated for its distinctiveness and connection to Irish heritage.

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