Surname Riggan - Meaning and Origin
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Riggan: What does the surname Riggan mean?
The surname Riggan is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "ricge", which means "ridge" or "bank". This may refer to the geographical location of a family in the Middle Ages, either because they lived on a hill or near a ridge. Alternatively, it may refer to the occupation of a person associated with that location, such as a farmer tending the land.
Riggan can also be derived from the Old English word "rygge", which means "cleaving land", and suggests that the family were land owners in some capacity. This could refer to owning large swaths of land, or owning the rights to particular fields. This would have been a very prestigious position at the time, and those in positions of power could use this to their advantage.
The Riggan surname became common in northern England and Scotland during the medieval period. Its popularity was brought across with the spread of the English language. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Riggan family had spread throughout the United Kingdom, many being merchants or farmers, and played a large role in the development of the region.
Riggans are proud of their heritage, and many have retained their family name over the centuries. A Riggan family reunion is held every few years to celebrate the family's past. Today, Riggans are found throughout the US but still strongly residing in England and Scotland.
Order DNA origin analysisRiggan: Where does the name Riggan come from?
Riggan is a surname that is quite common throughout the southern United States. It is particularly common in states such as Arkansas, Tennessee, and Missouri. It is also common in states like Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Mississippi. While Riggan is not one of the most commonly found surnames in the United States, it does have a presence in some places.
The earliest documented use of the Riggan surname dates back to the 1700s in North Carolina. The surname is believed to have originated from Scotland and spread throughout the south via various migrations. It is thought that the name was derived from the Scottish clan of the same name.
Riggan is still quite popular today, with many individuals carrying the surname. It is still common in the southern United States, though there are some Riggans living in other parts of the country. It is also quite common in some parts of Europe, such as the United Kingdom and Germany.
So, while Riggan is not one of the most common surnames in the United States, it still has a presence and a fairly strong footprint in the south. Regardless of where you are, chances are high that you know at least one person with the last name Riggan.
Variations of the surname Riggan
The surname Riggan is derived from Middle English given names Rig and Rigg, and means "ridge, hilltop." It is also sometimes spelled Riggan, Regan, Reganes, and Regin. Variants of Riggan include Ryggan, Rygan, Reganne, Regaan, Regen, Regin, and Reggin. These variants have a variety of spelling variations and can be found in records from the 16th century onward in Scotland, England, and Ireland.
In Scotland, Riggan is primarily found in Fife, and it is thought to derive from the Fife name MacRiggin or McRiggan. The surname is also found in Scotland as Regan, Reganes, and Regin. In Ireland, a variety of spellings of the surname Regan can be found, including Regan, Reganne, Regaan, and Rygan.
In England, the Riggan surname is primarily found in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire. Variations of the name in England include Regan, Reganes, Regin, and Riggin. Research into historical records has also revealed the name Riggan in the United States and Canada.
Variations of the name Riggan can also be found in other countries, particularly in Germany, including Reger, Wenger, and Reigand. Overall, there are several variants of the name Riggan, with some of the modern spelling variations being most popularly found in Scotland, Ireland, and the United States and Canada.
Famous people with the name Riggan
- Michael D. Riggan: American artist, author, and educator
- Ryan Riggan: American soccer coach and former MLS player
- James Riggan: American voice actor and writer
- Ben Riggan: American actor and filmmaker
- Casey Riggan: American actress
- Joe Riggan: American retired professional baseball pitcher
- Greg Riggan: American actor and producer
- Roger Riggan: American actor
- Larry Riggan: American retired Major League Baseball relief pitcher
- Joyce Riggan: American former professional tennis player
- Fred Riggan: American actor
- William K. Riggan: American television news anchor
- Anthony R. Riggan: American retired mathematical physicist
- Hayden Riggan: American professional golfer
- Patricio Riggan: Chilean actor
- Mary Ann Riggan: American historical fiction author
- Samuel H. Riggan: American attorney
- Thomas Riggan: American politician and former Kentucky state representative
- Errol Riggan: American actor, producer, director and entrepreneur
- Donald G. Riggan: American pastor