Surname MacSwiggan - Meaning and Origin
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MacSwiggan: What does the surname MacSwiggan mean?
The last name MacSwiggan is of Gaelic origin; the Gaelic prefix Mac is an ancient Irish and Scottish form of the word ‘son’ which is used to denote a person as being the descendant of a particular family, tribe or clan. Thus, the name MacSwiggan indicates that the person is descended from a Swiggan family.
The literal translation of ‘Swiggan’ is uncertain and there are several plausible interpretations. These include the gaelic word ‘Swiggein’ meaning ‘expert’, ‘clever’ or ‘crafty’, an anglicised form of the words ‘suidheagan’ or ‘siocairean’ which mean ‘little tinker’ or ‘petty thief’ respectively and the Scottish word ‘swig’ which means ‘steal’.
The name MacSwiggan is believed to have originated in the region of Mayo in western Ireland and is strongly associated with that area. It is a surname that has achieved significant recognition due to the prolific use and patronage of it by members of the Irish diaspora in the United States, Australia and Great Britain.
Overall, MacSwiggan is an interesting name due to its versatile meaning which could point to a variety of qualities, from intelligence to stealing. It is also an Irish name that has been passed down through generations and continues to be a proud part of Irish ancestry and cultural identity around the world.
Order DNA origin analysisMacSwiggan: Where does the name MacSwiggan come from?
The last name MacSwiggan is likely of Irish origin and is found primarily in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, and North America, although small numbers can be found in various other countries.
In the United Kingdom, the name can be generally found in Northern Ireland, as well as areas of Scotland and England that have traditionally held sway with Irish lineage. In Ireland, the highest concentrations of MacSwiggan can be found in county Kerry in the southwest of the country. Ireland is also the primary source of MacSwiggans migrating to other countries.
In Australia, MacSwiggan is primarily found in New South Wales, mainly in the metropolitan area of Sydney. It is also present, albeit in smaller numbers, in Queensland and Victoria.
In the United States, the name can be found primarily in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and other northeastern states, particularly those with high concentrations of Irish Americans. Although found in all fifty states, the name has the lowest concentration in the south and midwest regions of the country.
MacSwiggans in Canada are generally found in Eastern Provinces, in particular Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Canada also has a significant population of MacSwiggans who have come from Ireland in recent decades.
Variations of the surname MacSwiggan
MacSwiggan is an Irish surname, primarily associated with County Leitrim, particularly the towns of Manorhamilton and Glenfarne, though many have migrated to North America as well.
The variants, spellings, and surnames of MacSwiggan include: MacSuigin, MacSuigian, MacSwigin, MacSwingin, McSuigin, McSwigin, McSwingin, MacSwingan, McSwingan, MacSwiggen, MacSwiggen, McSwiggen, MacSwiggan, and McSwiggan.
MacSuigin, MacSuigian, and MacSwigin are often used as alternate spellings and refer to the same family of surnames. MacSwiggin and MacSwingin are variations on the original spelling that were incorporated over time. McSuigin, McSwigin, McSwingin are the variants of the MacSwiggin surname used when referring to family members of mainly Scottish descent.
MacSwingan and McSwingan refer to the additional spellings used in Irish American families. This variant of the surname can also be seen in surnames such as MacSwingden and McSwingden.
Finally, MacSwiggen, McSwiggen, MacSwiggan, and McSwiggan are the spellings most commonly used in families that have mostly stayed in Leitrim. These are the spellings most commonly used in the local area today.
Famous people with the name MacSwiggan
- Shane MacSwiggan: Irish actor and television presenter.
- Dave MacSwiggan: professional rugby union player.
- Mike MacSwiggan: Scottish sportscaster and media personality.
- Neil MacSwiggan: Irish footballer.
- John MacSwiggan: Northern Irish Olympic discus thrower.
- Caitlin MacSwiggan: American artist, professor, and scholar.
- Michael MacSwiggan: American basketball coach.
- Niamh MacSwiggan: professional Irish Gaelic footballer.
- Ross MacSwiggan: drama producer and director in the United Kingdom.
- PJ MacSwiggan: former Canadian Football League quarterback.
- Gerard MacSwiggan: esteemed academic and prominent British academician.
- Fionnula MacSwiggan: Irish poet and writer.
- Nick MacSwiggan: Scottish actor, singer, and voice artist.
- Freddie MacSwiggan: South African professional cricketer.
- Jessica MacSwiggan: English actress and singer.
- Ailish MacSwiggan: Irish writer, journalist, and historian.
- Audrey MacSwiggan: Canadian military veteran and activist.
- Pat MacSwiggan: Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Declan MacSwiggan: Australian musician and composer.
- Casey MacSwiggan: Australian rugby league player.