Origin & Meaning of the Gilligan Surname
What does the last name Gilligan mean?
The surname Gilligan 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 6,257 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Gilligan ranks as the #5,557 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Gilligan come from?
The Gilligan 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 Gilligan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Gilligan 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 | Gilligan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Descendant of |
| Origin | Irish |
| Language | Irish Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,557 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,257 |
| Per 100K People | 2.12 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Gilligan
According to the US Census, the Gilligan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,257 Americans with the Gilligan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 96.15% |
| Black | 0.14% |
| Hispanic | 1.71% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.62% |
| Native American | 0.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.97% |
Popularity of Gilligan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Gilligan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Gilligan surname increased by 738 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gilligan
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