| ![Show Contents]() Foggen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Etymology of FoggenWhat does the name Foggen mean? When the Strongbownian's arrived in Ireland there was already a system for creating patronymic names in place. Therefore, the native population regarded many of the Anglo-Norman naming practices that these settlers were accustomed to as rather unusual. Despite their differences, the two different systems eventually merged together rather insidiously. The Strongbownians, when they arrived, displayed a preference for used nickname surnames. Two of the most prevalent forms were oath nicknames and imperative names. Oath names often carried blessings or were formed from habitual expressions. Imperative names, formed from a verb added to a noun or an adverb, metaphorically described the bearer's occupations. The nick name surname Foggen is derived from a nickname for a person who wore a habitual expression of discontent or unhappiness. The surname Foggen is derived from the Welsh word gwgan, which is a diminutive of gwg, which means frown or scowl. The Gaelic form of the surname is Ugán. Early Origins of the Foggen familyThe surname Foggen was first found in Pembrokeshire in southern Wales. However, it is believed that they were descended from Gwrgyn, the Lord of Bryn in the county of Denbigh in north Wales. Very early in the family's history, an important branch were granted lands by Strongbow, Earl of Pembroke, in his invasion of Ireland in 1172 and thus began the dual country origins of the name. The progenitor of the family is believed to be Gwgan Ap, Lord of Brecknock, one of whose descendants married the heiress of Wiston, who was a descendant of Wizo the Fleming, Lord of Daugleddy. One of the first on record was Sir John Wogan (d. 1321?), Chief Justice and Governor of Ireland. He was the son of "Sir Matthew Wogan (by Avicia, heiress of Walter Malephant), and great-grandson of Gwgan, son of Bleddyn ap Maenarch, Lord of Brecknock. Gwgan, whose name in course of time was softened into Wogan, married Gwenllian, the heiress of Wiston in Pembrokeshire, where his descendants were subsequently settled. " 1 His son, Walter de Wogan (died after 1328) became an Irish administrator, soldier and justice of the Justiciar's Court in 1318, He later became second justice of the Court in 1324. Richard Wogan (died after 1453) was an Irish judge and cleric who held the office of Lord Chancellor of Ireland. Early History of the Foggen familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Foggen research. Another 51 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1295, 1313, 1317, 1321, 1448, 1542, 1543, 1554, 1556, 1588, 1620, 1621, 1622, 1625, 1629, 1638, 1640, 1644, 1648, 1649, 1650, 1654, 1672, 1678, 1679, 1681, 1685, 1700, 1702, 1708, 1716 and 1758 are included under the topic Early Foggen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Foggen Spelling VariationsMedieval scribes and church officials spelt names simply the way they sounded, which explains the various name spelling variations of the name Foggen that were encountered when researching that surname. The many spelling variations included: Vogan, Wogan, Vogin, Vogen, Voggan, Woggan, Woggin, Woggen, Woggon, Voggon, Voygan, Voigan, Woigan, Woiggan, Wogand, Vogand, Vogant, Wogant, Woggant and many more. Early Notables of the Foggen familyProminent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was Sir Henry Wogan, steward of the earldom of Pembroke in 1448; Sir John Wogan, a gentleman usher of the king's chamber and was granted certain offices in Pembrokeshire and Cardiganshire in consideration of his services in England and abroad, Sheriff of Cardiganshire in 1542 and 1556, and of Pembrokeshire in 1543 and 1554; Sir John Wogan (1588-1644) a Welsh politician, Member of Parliament for Pembrokeshire (1621-1622), (1625-1629) and (1640-1644); and his son, Thomas Wogan (born circa 1620), a Welsh Member of Parliament and one of the regicides...
Another 97 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Foggen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Foggen family to IrelandSome of the Foggen family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 157 words (11 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Foggen familyIrish immigration to North American began in the late 18th century as many Irish families desired to own their own land. This pattern of immigration grew slowly yet steadily until the 1840s. At that time, a failed crop and a growing population in Ireland resulted in the Great Potato Famine. Poverty, disease, and starvation ravaged the land. To ease their pain and suffering the Irish often looked upon North America as a solution: hundreds of thousands undertook the voyage. Their arrival meant the growth of industry and commerce for British North America and the United States. For the individual Irishman, it meant survival and hope, and the opportunity for work, freedom, and ownership of land. The early immigration and passenger lists revealed many bearing the name Foggen: David, James, and John Vogan arrived in Philadelphia in 1858; Patrick Wogan arrived in New York State in 1804; George Wogan settled in Virginia in 1663.
- Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
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