Harrigan family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Harrigan family crest symbols

Lion (standing)

The lion symbol represents the ferocious nature of family members, their bravery and valor. It is one of the oldest symbols in heraldry and is considered to be one of the most desirable to have on a coat of arms.

Weapon - Arrowhead

The arrow signifies the early family's readiness for battle and affliction when threatened. It stands as a testament to family member’s success during times of war and a warning to those we may cross them.

Meaning of the Harrigan coat of arms colors

Silver

The silver or white color on the coat of arms, (known as 'Argent'), signifies sincerity and peacefulness. It is one of the oldest colors known in ancient heraldry.

Yellow/Gold

The gold color (known as Or) represented the noble standing of a family and also stood as a symbol of generosity and those with a giving nature.

Harrigan name meaning and origin

Harrigan is a surname of Irish origin. It is a variant of the Gaelic name Ó hArragáin, which translates to "descendant of Arragán". The personal name Arragán itself is a diminutive of the word 'arracht', which means a 'phantom' or 'spectre'. Thus, the surname Harrigan can be interpreted to mean 'descendant of the little phantom' in English. This surname was typically used in the southern region of Ireland.

History of family crests like the Harrigan coat of arms

Family crests and coats of arms emerged during the Middle Ages, mostly in wider Europe. They were used as a way to identify knights and nobles on the battlefield and in tournaments. The designs were unique to each family and were passed down from generation to generation.

The earliest crests were simple designs, such as a single animal or symbol, but they became more elaborate over time. Coats of arms were also developed, which included a shield with the family crest, as well as other symbols and colors that represented the family's history and achievements.

The use of family crests and coats of arms spread throughout Europe and became a symbol of social status and identity. They were often displayed on clothing, armor, and flags, and were used to mark the family's property and possessions.

Today, family crests and coats of arms are still used as a way to honor and celebrate family heritage.

Harrigan name variations and their meaning

The family name Harrigan has several variations that have emerged over time. One common variation is Harrington, which is believed to have originated from the same root name. Another variation is Harrigane, which adds an "e" at the end of the name. This variation may have been influenced by other surnames that end in "e" such as McEvoy or McNamee. Additionally, some individuals with the Harrigan surname may have chosen to drop the "a" and spell their name as Herringan. This variation could have been a result of personal preference or regional dialects. Another possible variation is Harriganey, which adds a "y" at the end of the name. This variation may have been influenced by other surnames that end in "y" such as Rooney or Maloney. Overall, the variations of the Harrigan surname demonstrate the flexibility and adaptability of family names over time.

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