The name Fagin is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Faodhagáin or Ó Fathaighin. It comes from the old Irish personal name “Faghagán” which is derived from the word “fothadh” meaning “foundation”. So the surname Ó Faodhagáin can be taken to mean “descendant of Faghagán”.
The History and Origin of the Surname Fagin
The Fagin surname has its roots in Irish Gaelic history and culture. It originated as a patronymic form of an old Gaelic personal name “Faghagán” which itself comes from the Irish word “fothadh” meaning “foundation” or “prop”. The prefix “Ó” in Irish surnames means “descendant of” or “grandson of”.
So Ó Faodhagáin translates to mean “descendant of Faghagán”. The anglicized version of this surname became Fagin. The Fagin family was based mainly in the province of Munster, with the highest concentration being found in counties Cork and Kerry.
The surname emerged when the Anglo-Norman invaders attempted to Anglicize native Irish names in the 12th century. The prefix “Ó” was dropped and the Gaelic spelling was altered to create an English version of the name. Over the centuries, the surname evolved from the Irish Ó Faodhagáin and Ó Fathaighin to the anglicized version Fagin that we know today.
Etymological Meaning of Fagin
As mentioned earlier, the surname Fagin has its origins in the old Gaelic personal name Faghagán. This name was derived from the Irish word “fothadh” which means “foundation” or “prop”.
So the etymological or literal meaning of Fagin is “descendant of the foundation” or “descendant of the prop”. It refers to someone who is a descendant of a person named Faghagán, where Faghagán means “foundation”.
Significance of “Fothadh” in Irish
The Irish word “fothadh” which is the origin of the name Faghagán and subsequently Fagin, has significance in old Irish texts and folklore.
“Fothadh” implies a foundation, support or prop. In ancient Irish poetry and mythology, the word is used to refer to pillars, poles or posts that support a structure. These foundations were sometimes personified as giants or great warriors who “propped up” society.
So the name Faghagán draws on this meaning of “fothadh” – someone who acts as a foundational pillar or upholding force for a community. This suggests Fagin may have ancestral links to an important supporting figure in Irish society.
Origin of the Name Faghagán
The Gaelic personal name Faghagán from which Fagin is derived has its own unique origin story in Irish legend.
According to Irish folklore, Faghagán was a great warrior of the Fir Bolg tribe. He was said to be a defender and upholder of the land. During the first Battle of Magh Tuiredh against the Tuatha Dé Danann, Faghagán fought fiercely and acted as a “prop” or foundation that held the Fir Bolg army together.
Although the Fir Bolg were ultimately defeated, Faghagán was remembered for his strength and steadfastness on the battlefield. The name Faghagán comes from Irish “fothadh” in reference to this legend of him standing firm as a foundational pillar for his tribe during war.
So the surname Fagin may link back to this heroic figure Faghagán and his qualities of bravery, leadership and serving as a strong foundation of support in battle.
Anglicization of Irish Surnames
As part of the Anglo-Norman conquest of Ireland beginning in the 12th century, native Irish surnames underwent a process of Anglicization to make them sound more English.
The Gaelic prefixes “Ó” and “Mac” meaning “descended from” and “son of” were frequently dropped from Irish names when the English tried to translate them. The original Gaelic spellings were also altered to versions easier for English speakers to pronounce and write.
Here are some examples of typical changes that occurred when Irish surnames were Anglicized:
| Original Irish Form | Anglicized English Version |
|---|---|
| Ó Faoláin | Phelan / Whelan |
| Ó Briain | OBrien / Brien |
| Mac Cárthaigh | McCarthy |
In this manner, the Gaelic surname Ó Faodhagáin and Ó Fathaighin evolved into the anglicized form Fagin that we know today through years of linguistic transformation under English influence.
Fagin Coat of Arms
Like other Irish clans, the Fagin family has its own coat of arms depicting symbols associated with the surname’s origin and history. The Fagin coat of arms contains the following heraldic symbols:
- A red hand: This represents the ancient province of Ulster and the northern O’Neills from which the Fagins descended.
- A black lion: Symbolizes fierceness and valor in combat, reflecting Fagin’s warrior ancestors.
- Three acorns: Represents the family’s connection to the ancient Gaelic kingdom of Éile.
- Silver and blue colors: Signifies peace and loyalty.
The Fagin family motto is “Vi et Virtute” meaning “By Strength and Valour” – an ode to their lineage of Irish fighters and defenders.
Fagin in Popular Culture
The most famous fictional character bearing the name Fagin is from Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist published in 1838. Fagin is portrayed as a sinister villain leading a criminal gang of pickpockets in 19th century London.
Although Dicken’s Fagin is an unscrupulous thief, he retains some wit and charm associated with the Irish personality. He is even depicted quoting Irish sayings and singing Irish ballads about whiskey.
So while the Fagin of Oliver Twist may not be a wholly positive character, he does contain traces of Irish heritage connected to his name. This includes the cunning, roguish charm and fondness for drink stereotypically associated with Irishmen in British society at the time.
Statistics on the surname Fagin
According to surname databases, Fagin is ranked as the 13,662nd most common surname overall in the world. In terms of prevalence, it ranks higher in Ireland and the UK compared to other countries.
Here are some key stats about the surname Fagin:
- Ranked 2,465th most common surname in Ireland
- Ranked 9,385th most popular last name in England
- Approximately 3,500 people bear the surname Fagin worldwide
- Highest concentration found in counties Cork, Longford and Leitrim in Ireland
- Immigrants brought the name to USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand
While Fagin is not among the most widespread Irish surnames globally, it has a rich history and strong regional heritage linked to ancient Gaelic clans and legends.
Notable People with the Surname Fagin
Though not very common now, the Irish surname Fagin has been borne by several notable individuals over the centuries. Here are some famous people with the last name Fagin:
Seán Fagin
Prominent activist in the early Irish republican movement who fought against British rule. He participated in the Easter Rising of 1916 and the Irish War of Independence.
Patrick Fagin
18th century Irish builder and architect known for his work on churches and mansions in counties Galway and Roscommon.
John Fagin
Leader of an Irish faction supporting King Charles I during the English Civil War in the 1600s.
Moira Fagin
20th century Irish senator who advocated for women’s rights and social welfare policies.
Michael Fagin
Irish-American computer scientist who pioneered advances in cryptographic systems and cybersecurity.
These and other accomplished individuals with the name Fagin reflect the surname’s origins as a lineage of warriors, builders, activists and leaders.
Conclusion
In summary, Fagin is an Irish surname stemming from old Gaelic roots and mythology. It emerged as the Anglicized form of the clan name Ó Faodhagáin meaning “descendant of Faghagán”. The origin traces back to Faghagán – a mythical Irish warrior hero who acted as a prop for his tribe in battle.
Fagin has regional prominence in counties Cork and Kerry and is found among Irish diaspora worldwide. The name evokes a lineage of fighters, chieftains and stalwart defenders. It continues to connect present-day bearers to centuries of Gaelic heritage.