Show ContentsLondergan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Anglo-Norman Conquest of Ireland lead by Strongbow introduced the first non-Gaelic elements into Irish nomenclature. These Anglo-Normans brought some traditions to Ireland that were not readily found within Gaelic system of hereditary surnames. One of the best examples of this is the local surname. Local surnames, such as Londergan, were taken from the name of a place or a geographical feature where the person lived, held land, or was born. These surnames were very common in England, but were almost non-existent within Ireland previous to the conquest. Originally, these place names were prefixed by "de," which means "from" in French. This type of prefix was eventually either made a part of the surname, if the place name began with a vowel, or was eliminated entirely. The Londergan family originally lived in the settlement of Llanaghan, which is in the Welsh county of Brecon.

Early Origins of the Londergan family

The surname Londergan was first found in County Roscommon (Irish: Ros Comáin) located in central Ireland in the province of Connacht, where they were granted lands by Strongbow after his invasion of Ireland in 1172.

Early History of the Londergan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Londergan research. Another 85 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1249 is included under the topic Early Londergan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Londergan Spelling Variations

During the Middle Ages, a single person often had their name recorded by church officials and scribes many different ways. Names were typically spelt as they sounded, which resulted in many different spelling variations. The many versions of the name Londergan to have been recorded over the years include: Lanigan, Lanahan, Lenaghan, Lanaghan, Linehan and many more.

Early Notables of the Londergan family

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


Canada Londergan migration to Canada +

Ireland's Great Potato Famine left the country's inhabitants in extreme poverty and starvation. Many families left their homeland for North America for the promise of work, freedom and land ownership. Although the Irish were not free of economic and racial discrimination in North America, they did contribute greatly to the rapid development of bridges, canals, roads, and railways. Eventually, they would be accepted in other areas such as commerce, education, and the arts. An examination of immigration and passenger lists revealed many bearing the name Londergan:

Londergan Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Margaret Londergan, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1805
  • Joanna Londergan, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1828
  • Thomas Londergan, who arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1843

Australia Londergan migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Londergan Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • William Londergan, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Canton" in 1846 1
  • John Londergan, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Canton" in 1846 1
  • Patrick Londergan, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Canton" in 1846 1
  • Mary Londergan, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Canton" in 1846 1
  • Ellen Londergan, aged 17, a domestic servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1860 aboard the ship "Schah Jehan"

Contemporary Notables of the name Londergan (post 1700) +

  • Casey Londergan, American Associate Professor of Chemistry at Haverford College


The Londergan Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Patriae infelici fidelis
Motto Translation: Faithful to an unhappy country.


  1. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) CANTON 1846. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1846Canton.htm


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