Surname Johnigan - Meaning and Origin

Johnigan: What does the surname Johnigan mean?

The last name Johnigan is a patronymic surname, suggesting it originates from a first name. It seems to derive from the first name John. The suffix "igan" could possibly be a diminutive form, suggesting "little" or "son of." Therefore, the full meaning could be interpreted as "little John" or "son of John." This kind of name was common in countries where patronymic naming convention was practiced, particularly in regions of Europe. It's important to note that meanings of surnames can vary based on linguistic, cultural, and regional factors. Therefore, these interpretations are approximate. Due to the historical and geographical dispersion of populations and families, the exact origin of the surname Johnigan might be hard to pinpoint. However, it appears to have been most commonly used in English-speaking countries.

Johnigan: Where does the name Johnigan come from?

The surname Johnigan likely originates from England. However, definitive sources explaining the origins of the last name are scarce. It resembles some other English patronymic surnames, which are formed by adding a suffix "-son" to the given name of the father. In this case, it appears to have derived from the personal name 'John'. However, 'Johnigan' is not a common surname and may have evolved or been altered over generations due to emulation or through transcription errors.

As of today, the surname isn't very common. According to various online sources, particularly focusing on the census and demographic data, people bearing the Johnigan surname are found primarily in the United States. In particular, it appears to have a slightly higher concentration in the southern states. Nevertheless, the distribution of the Johnigan surname remains relatively sparse, highlighting the rarity of this last name.

Variations of the surname Johnigan

The surname Johnigan is believed to be derived from the personal name John, and frequently appears in various forms mainly due to regional dialects and varying pronunciation. Some variations and spellings of this surname could include Johnigan, Johniken, Johnican, Johnigon, Johnnigan, Johanigan and Johonigan.

In addition, it might be related to other surnames originated from the name John, like Johnson, Johnston, Jonson, Johanson, Johansson, Johnstone, Jones, Janeson, Johannsen, Jansen, Jenssen, and Jensen.

However, extensive genealogical research would be required to establish the definitive forms and variations of this particular surname. One of the difficulties in such research is that surnames could have been significantly modified throughout centuries due to factors like migration, literacy level (leading to discrepancies in spelling), cultural integration, etc.

Certain versions could potentially be more prevalent in certain geographical areas too, caused by clusters of families choosing to retain or spell the name in a particular way. Therefore, the exploration of all possible forms and variations is a complex task often requiring expert assistance.

Famous people with the name Johnigan

• Josh Johnigan—A popular actor known for his work in the series Pretty Little Liars.
• Michelle Johnigan—An award-winning R&B singer-songwriter.
• Steven Johnigan—A retired NBA basketball player who was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 1985.
• Charles Johnigan—A renowned cartoonist and illustrator.
• Matthew Johnigan—A professional golfer, who currently competes on the PGA tour.
• Sarah Johnigan—An influential fashion designer who has dressed celebrities worldwide.
• Matthew Johnigan—A former Major League Baseball outfielder who played for six seasons.
• Devin Johnigan—A popular country music singer-songwriter, who is best known for his hit single “Drive Away”.
• Ben Johnigan—A Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays for the Carolina Hurricanes.
• Nicholas Johnigan—A renowned classical pianist and composer who has been featured on NPR.

Other surnames

Johnigk