Karrigan is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "Ó Corráin," which is believed to have been an ancient chief name in Ireland. The surname is thought to have originated in County Cork, where it was quite common.
The meaning of Karrigan is not explicitly clear, but it is believed to be associated with the Irish word "corrán," which means "little hook" or "pointed headland." This could suggest that the name has a connection to coastal regions or navigational features. However, this interpretation is not universally accepted, and the true meaning of Karrigan may be lost to history.
Despite its uncertain origin and meaning, Karrigan has been used as a given name for both boys and girls in recent years. It is often spelled in various ways, such as Karraghan, Carrigan, or even Carrigan. While it is still relatively uncommon, the name has gained some popularity in English-speaking countries, particularly in Ireland and the United States.
In literature, Karrigan appears as a character in the novel "The Hound of the Baskervilles" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The character is a servant at the Baskerville Hall estate in Devon, England. While this appearance may have contributed to the name's recognition, it does not appear to have significantly influenced its usage as a given name.
Overall, Karrigan is a unique and unusual given name with an Irish heritage but an uncertain meaning. Its use as a given name has become more common in recent years, particularly among English-speaking families seeking distinctive names for their children. While its true origin and meaning may remain elusive, the name Karrigan continues to captivate those drawn to its distinctiveness and unique sound.
The name Karrigan has seen a varied level of popularity over the past three decades in the United States. The name first appeared on the Social Security Administration's list of baby names in 1995 with only six births recorded that year.
In the following years, the number of babies named Karrigan steadily increased, reaching a peak of 43 births in 1996. However, this popularity was short-lived as the number of births dropped significantly to 25 in 1997 and remained at that level for the next three years.
From 2000 onwards, the number of babies named Karrigan fluctuated but remained relatively stable, with an average of around 20 births per year. The highest number of births during this period was recorded in 2008 with 28 babies named Karrigan.
In recent years, the popularity of the name has continued to decline, with only nine births reported in 2023. Overall, since 1995, there have been a total of 503 babies named Karrigan born in the United States. Despite its fluctuating popularity, Karrigan remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents seeking something different.