Feagen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

Etymology of Feagen

What does the name Feagen mean?

The surname Feagen is derived from the Gaelic "O Faodhagain," which in turn comes from the Latin word "paganus," which refers to a "villager" or "peasant."

Early Origins of the Feagen family

The surname Feagen was first found in County Tyrone (Irish:Tír Eoghain), the ancient territory of the O'Neills, now in the Province of Ulster, central Northern Ireland, where they settled in early times.

Early History of the Feagen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Feagen research. Another 150 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1250, 1423, 1638, 1663 and 1718 are included under the topic Early Feagen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Feagen Spelling Variations

In the days before Gaelic or English gained any significant semblance of standardization, the scribes who created documents simply recorded names as they sounded. Consequently, in the Middle Ages many people were recorded under different spellings each time their name was written down. Research on the Feagen family name revealed numerous spelling variations, including Fagan, Faggan, Fagin, Feagan, Fegan, Feighan, Fieghan and many more.

Early Notables of the Feagen family

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

Feagen migration to Canada +

Many Irish families left the English-controlled Ireland in the 19th century. Early immigrants were primarily after land and the opportunity of living a life entirely of their own fashioning. In the 1840s, this pattern of immigration changed as the Great Potato Famine struck Ireland. Hundreds of thousands left the diseased and starving island with little expectations but many hopes. By this time there was very little available land in the east, so many immigrants joined the movement for the western frontier lands, or settled in established urban centers. Irish immigrants not only made enormous contributions to the rapid development and population of North America, but they also brought with them a rich cultural heritage. Immigration and passenger ship lists show some important early immigrants bearing the name Feagen:

Feagen Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Matthew Feagen, aged 20, a farmer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Billow" in 1833

The Feagen 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: Deo partriaeque fidelis
Motto Translation: Faithful to God and my country.