Carrigan is a rare and distinctive given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "Ó Cairbreáin," which is composed of the elements "ó" meaning "descendant of," "Cairbre," an ancient Irish personal name, and "-án," a Gaelic diminutive suffix. Therefore, the name Carrigan literally translates to "descendant of Cairbre."
The original Irish surname Ó Cairbreáin was anglicized over time, resulting in various spellings such as Carrigan, Carraghan, Carrighan, and O'Carrigan. The name is believed to have originated from the ancient kingdom of Connacht, located in the west of Ireland.
Historically, the surname Ó Cairbreáin was carried by a sept, or family group, who were descendants of the ancient High King of Ireland, Niall of the Nine Hostages. This royal lineage adds to the significance and prestige of the Carrigan name.
While not as commonly used today as it once was, the name Carrigan remains a unique choice for parents looking for an Irish-inspired given name with a rich history and meaningful origin. It is often associated with strength, pride, and ancient Irish heritage due to its royal lineage and Gaelic roots.
The name Carrigan has seen a varied pattern of popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Between 1994 and 2023, there were a total of 1196 babies named Carrigan born in the US.
In the early years, the name started with just 5 births in 1994 but experienced significant growth over the next few years, reaching a peak of 81 births in 1996. After this high point, the number of births fluctuated but remained relatively stable throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.
However, since around the year 2007, there has been a noticeable decline in the popularity of the name Carrigan. The highest number of births recorded after this point was 62 in 2010, which is significantly lower than the peak reached in the mid-90s.
In recent years, the trend continues to show a decrease in the number of babies named Carrigan, with only 13 births recorded in 2023. This indicates that while the name still maintains some level of popularity, it may not be as widely used today as it was two decades ago.
Despite this decline, the name Carrigan continues to hold its place among thousands of other names chosen for newborns each year in the United States. It's fascinating to observe how trends and tastes in naming children can shift over time, reflecting cultural and societal changes.