O'Kerrigan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• Ireland

Etymology of O'Kerrigan

There are multitude of rich histories underlying the many Irish surnames in use today. The name O'Kerrigan originally appeared in Gaelic as Ó Ciaragain, which is derived from the word "ciar," which means "black" or "dark brown." 1

Early Origins of the O'Kerrigan family

Early History of the O'Kerrigan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our O'Kerrigan research. Another 79 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early O'Kerrigan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

O'Kerrigan Spelling Variations

Many different spelling variations of the surname O'Kerrigan were found in the archives researched. These included Scribes and church officials generally spelled a name as it sounded; as a result, a person's name could be spelt innumerable ways in his lifetime. Kerrigan, Kerigan, Keragan and others.

Early Notables of the O'Kerrigan family

More information is included under the topic Early O'Kerrigan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the O'Kerrigan family

North America received thousands of Irish immigrants from the English-ruled Ireland during the 19th century. Once in the United States or what would become Canada, these immigrants quickly contributed to the ongoing settling and industrialization processes. The largest influx of Irish settlers occurred with Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s. An exhaustive examination of immigrant and passenger lists has shown many early immigrants bearing the surname of O'Kerrigan: Brian, Charles, Daniel, Edward, Hugh, John, Joseph, Michael, Patrick, Thomas and William Kerrigan all arrived in Philadelphia in 1840 and 1860.