Gillighan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

Etymology of Gillighan

What does the name Gillighan mean?

Many Irish names are merely English translations of Gaelic names. The name Gillighan was a translation of the Gaelic name Mac Giollagain, which is derived from the word "giolla," which means "lad."

Early Origins of the Gillighan family

The surname Gillighan was first found in County Londonderry (Irish: Doire), a Northern Irish county also known as Derry, in the province of Ulster, where they held a family seat at a place called Magilligans Strand.

Early History of the Gillighan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gillighan research. Another 50 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Gillighan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gillighan Spelling Variations

Pronunciation, rather than spelling, was what guided scribes and church officials in recording names, a practice that often led to the misleading result of one person's name being recorded under several different spellings. Numerous spelling variations of the surname Gillighan are preserved in documents that were examined for evidence of the family's history. The various spellings of Gillighan included Gilligan, Gilegan, Gillegan, Giligan and others.

Early Notables of the Gillighan family

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

Gillighan migration to Australia +

Gillighan Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mary Gillighan, aged 20, a domestic servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "Aliquis"
James Gillighan, aged 19, a labourer, who arrived in South Australia in 1856 aboard the ship "Fitzjames"