Hogan is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "Ogán," which means "young." It was originally an epithet used to distinguish younger sons who were entitled to inherit property or land. The name Hogan has been associated with Ireland for centuries and can be found in many regions throughout the country.
The earliest recorded instance of the surname Hogan is believed to be in County Galway, where a family named O'Hagan was seated during the 14th century. Over time, the name underwent phonetic changes, eventually becoming Hogan as it is known today. The name has since spread beyond Ireland, with significant populations carrying the surname now residing in countries such as England, Australia, and the United States.
In terms of its meaning, the name Hogan signifies youthfulness and vitality. It is often associated with strength and courage, qualities that may have been attributed to younger sons who had to prove themselves to inherit their family's legacy. Additionally, the name has a distinct Irish charm and character that sets it apart from other surnames.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the Hogan surname. One of the most famous is James "Jimmy" Hogan (1892-1970), an Irish-born soccer player who played for Aston Villa and the England national team in the early 20th century. Another prominent figure is Sean Hogan (born 1964), a former Irish professional golfer who won several tournaments during his career.
In summary, Hogan is an Irish surname with origins dating back centuries. It carries a meaning of youthfulness and vitality, qualities that may have been attributed to younger sons seeking to make their mark in the world. Today, the name continues to be carried by people around the globe, many of whom take pride in their Irish ancestry and heritage.
The name Hogan has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. From the early 20th century to the late 1950s, there were only occasional births with this name each year, ranging from as few as 5 to as many as 7.
However, starting in the late 1970s, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Hogan. In 1978, there were 11 births, which was the highest number recorded since 1924. This trend continued into the 1980s and early 1990s, with the number of births ranging from as low as 5 to as high as 25 in 1987.
The peak popularity of the name Hogan was reached in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Between 1994 and 2002, there were over 30 births each year, with a high of 66 births in 2000. This period of high popularity lasted for about eight years.
Since then, the popularity of the name Hogan has decreased somewhat but has remained relatively stable. Between 2003 and 2018, there were between 28 and 54 births each year. In recent years, the number of births with this name has ranged from as low as 23 in 2022 to as high as 45 in 2019.
Overall, the total number of births with the name Hogan in the United States since 1911 is 1,491. While there have been periods of high and low popularity over the years, the name Hogan has consistently remained a popular choice for parents in the U.S.