There are many Irish surnames being used today in forms that are quite different than their original, ancient forms. Higgans originally appeared in Gaelic as O huigin, which is derived from the word uiging, which is akin to the Norse word viking.
Early Origins of the Higgans family
The surname Higgans was first found in County
Sligo (Irish: Sligeach), in the province of
Connacht in Northwestern
Ireland, where they held a
family seat from ancient times. This distinguished Irish Clann was a branch of the O'Neills, said to descend from a grandson of Niall of the Nine Hostages, the 4th century High King of
Ireland and founder of the Uí Neill Clan.
Early History of the Higgans family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Higgans research.
Another 145 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1315, 1501, 1595, 1720, 1578, 1659, 1624, 1691, 1659, 1661, 1679, 1670, 1735, 1720, 1801, 1796 and 1818 are included under the topic Early Higgans History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Higgans Spelling Variations
The Middle Ages saw a great number of
spelling variations for surnames common to the Irish landscape. One reason for these variations is the fact that surnames were not rigidly fixed by this period. The following variations for the name Higgans were encountered in the archives: Higgins, Higgin, O'Higgin, Higgans, Higgens and many more.
Early Notables of the Higgans family (pre 1700)
Prominent amongst the family at this time was Shean Duff O'Higgins (17th century), Lord of Ballynary, Sligo; Theophilus Higgons (c.1578-1659), an English divine and convert to Catholicism; Sir Thomas Higgons (c 1624-1691), an English diplomat and politician, Member of Parliament for Malmesbury in 1659, and Windsor (1661-1679); Bevil Higgons (1670-1735), an English historian and...
Another 53 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Higgans Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Higgans family to the New World and Oceana
Some of the first settlers of this family name were:
Higgans Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
- Patrick Higgans, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "William Nicol" in 1840 [1]CITATION[CLOSE]
State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) WILLIAM NICOL. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1840WilliamNichol.htm - Rose Higgans, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "William Nicol" in 1840 [1]CITATION[CLOSE]
State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) WILLIAM NICOL. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1840WilliamNichol.htm - Thomas Higgans, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "William Nicol" in 1840 [1]CITATION[CLOSE]
State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) WILLIAM NICOL. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1840WilliamNichol.htm
The Higgans 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: Pro patria
Motto Translation: For my country
Higgans Family Crest Products
See Also
Citations
- ^ State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) WILLIAM NICOL. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1840WilliamNichol.htm