Cadigan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Wales
Ireland

The surname Cadigan is a Welsh name of old Celtic origin, derived from the personal name Cadogan. This name was originally Cadwugaun in the Old Welsh language.

Early Origins of the Cadigan family

The surname Cadigan was first found in Merionethshire (Welsh: Sir Feirionnydd), made a county in Northwest Wales in 1284, and anciently part of the kingdom of Gwynedd, where they claimed descent from the ancient princes of Wales. Of note was, Cadwgan ap Bleddyn (1051-1111), Prince of Powys; Cadwgan ap Meurig (fl.1045-1074), King of Gwent (1063-1074) and Morgannwg; and Cadwgan of Llandyfái (died 1241), a Welsh cleric, Bishop of Bangor (1215-1236.)

Early History of the Cadigan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cadigan research. Another 63 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1172, 1601, 1639, 1642, 1649, 1658, 1661, 1675, 1685, 1700, 1713, 1716, 1722, 1726, 1749, 1752 and 1776 are included under the topic Early Cadigan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Cadigan Spelling Variations

Compared to other ancient cultures found in the British Isles, the number of Welsh surnames are relatively few, but there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations. These spelling variations began almost as soon as surname usage became common. People could not specify how to spell their own names leaving the specific recording up to the individual scribe or priest. Those recorders would then spell the names as they heard them, causing many different variations. Later, many Welsh names were recorded in English. This transliteration process was extremely imprecise since the Brythonic Celtic language of the Welsh used many sounds the English language was not accustomed to. Finally, some variations occurred by the individual's design: a branch loyalty within a family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations were indicated by spelling variations of one's name. The Cadigan name over the years has been spelled Cadogan, Cadagan, Caddagan, Caddigan, Cadigan, Cadougan, Cadwgan and many more.

Early Notables of the Cadigan family

Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was General Charles Cadogan, 2nd Baron Cadogan (1685-1776), a British peer, Member of Parliament for Reading (1716-1722), for Newport, Isle of Wight (1722-1726), Governor...
Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Cadigan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Cadigan family to Ireland

Some of the Cadigan family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 164 words (12 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Cadigan migration to Canada +

The Welsh began to emigrate to North America in the late 1800s and early 1900s in search of land, work, and freedom. Those that arrived helped shape the industry, commerce, and the cultural heritage of both Canada and the United States. The records regarding immigration and passenger show a number of people bearing the name Cadigan:

Cadigan Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Edmond Cadigan, who settled in St. John's, Newfoundland in 1802 1
Maurice Cadigan from Cloyne, County Cork, Ireland was married in St. John's, Newfoundland in 1805 1
Patrick Cadigan, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1825
Julia Cadigan, aged 42, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the brig "Charity" from Kinsale, Ireland
Catherine Cadigan, aged 19, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the brig "Charity" from Kinsale, Ireland
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Cadigan (post 1700) +

David Patrick Cadigan (b. 1965), retired American NFL football offensive lineman
Pat Cadigan (b. 1953), American science fiction author
Peter B. Cadigan, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Wisconsin, 1928 2
John A. Cadigan, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate for U.S. Representative from Wisconsin 11th District, 1924; Candidate for Wisconsin State Assembly from Adams and Marquette counties, 1930 2
George H. Cadigan, American Democratic Party politician, Member of Massachusetts State House of Representatives Fourth Suffolk District, 1905 2
Charles P. Cadigan, American Democratic Party politician, Alternate Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Wisconsin, 1944 2

The Cadigan 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: Qui invidet minor est
Motto Translation: He that envies is inferior.

Citations +

Seary E.R., Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland, Montreal: McGill's-Queen's Universtity Press 1998 ISBN 0-7735-1782-0
The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 11) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html