Origin & Meaning of the Mulligan Surname
What does the last name Mulligan mean?
The surname Mulligan 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 14,590 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mulligan ranks as the #2,469 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mulligan come from?
The Mulligan 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 Mulligan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mulligan 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 | Mulligan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Descendant of |
| Origin | Irish |
| Language | Irish Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,469 |
| US Count (2010) | 14,590 |
| Per 100K People | 4.95 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mulligan
According to the US Census, the Mulligan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 14,590 Americans with the Mulligan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.47% |
| Black | 3.52% |
| Hispanic | 2.73% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.75% |
| Native American | 0.25% |
| Two or More Races | 1.26% |
Popularity of Mulligan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mulligan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mulligan surname increased by 361 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Mulligan Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Mulligan ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Mulligan Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Mulligan Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Mulligan
- ✓ The Mulligan coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Mulligan families live today
- ✓ Notable Mulligan bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Mulligan
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Mulligan.
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 Mulligan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mulligan
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
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