Origin & Meaning of the Colligan Surname
What does the last name Colligan mean?
The surname Colligan carries the meaning "Descendant of." It is derived from the Irish Gaelic language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,986 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Colligan ranks as the #14,902 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Colligan come from?
The Colligan surname has its roots in Irish heritage. Names of Irish origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Colligan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Colligan trace back to Irish Gaelic. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Colligan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Descendant of |
| Origin | Irish |
| Language | Irish Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #14,902 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,986 |
| Per 100K People | 0.67 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Colligan
According to the US Census, the Colligan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,986 Americans with the Colligan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.3% |
| Black | 3.52% |
| Hispanic | 1.61% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.65% |
| Native American | 0.35% |
| Two or More Races | 1.56% |
Popularity of Colligan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Colligan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Colligan surname decreased by 8 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Colligan Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Colligan ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Complete Story of the Colligan Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Colligan Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Colligan
- ✓ The Colligan coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Colligan families live today
- ✓ Notable Colligan bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Colligan
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Colligan.
Other Irish Surnames
Explore more surnames with Irish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Irish origin as Colligan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colligan
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Colligan surname also look for: