Origin & Meaning of the Galligan Surname
What does the last name Galligan mean?
The surname Galligan 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 3,663 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Galligan ranks as the #8,938 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Galligan come from?
The Galligan 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 Galligan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Galligan 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 | Galligan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Descendant of |
| Origin | Irish |
| Language | Irish Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,938 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,663 |
| Per 100K People | 1.24 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Galligan
According to the US Census, the Galligan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,663 Americans with the Galligan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.24% |
| Black | 0.63% |
| Hispanic | 2.68% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.68% |
| Native American | 0.27% |
| Two or More Races | 1.5% |
Popularity of Galligan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Galligan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Galligan surname increased by 201 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Galligan
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