Origin & Meaning of the Milligan Surname
What does the last name Milligan mean?
The surname Milligan 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 22,416 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Milligan ranks as the #1,597 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Milligan come from?
The Milligan 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 Milligan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Milligan 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 | Milligan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Descendant of |
| Origin | Irish |
| Language | Irish Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,597 |
| US Count (2010) | 22,416 |
| Per 100K People | 7.6 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Milligan
According to the US Census, the Milligan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 22,416 Americans with the Milligan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 80.97% |
| Black | 12.04% |
| Hispanic | 3.46% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.46% |
| Native American | 1.03% |
| Two or More Races | 2.03% |
Popularity of Milligan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Milligan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Milligan surname increased by 529 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Milligan
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