MallowbyNames

Corrigan

KOR-ih-gan · Of uncertain origin; possibly from an Irish surname meaning 'spear' or 'lance'.

Peak popularity
2000
Usually for
Girls & boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Corrigan since 1984

Babies named Corrigan per year in U.S. Social Security records.

612181990200020102020Most births 2000GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1980s011
1990s553
2000s2188
2010s1945
2020s07

Meaning & origin

Corrigan is a rare Irish surname-turned-first name in the United States. It first appeared in Social Security records in 1984, a relatively late entry for a name of its type. Its peak year of use came in 2000, likely reflecting a broader interest in Irish-sounding names around the turn of the millennium. Despite this brief uptick, the name has remained stable in its low frequency of use, never breaking into the top 1,000 names. Families drawn to Corrigan often appreciate its strong, distinctive sound and Irish heritage. The name's trajectory is one of quiet endurance rather than trendiness, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name with clear cultural roots.

Corrigan is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Corragáin, which is believed to derive from 'corradh' meaning 'spear' or 'lance'. As a given name, it emerged in the late 20th century, likely influenced by the trend of using surnames as first names. Its use in the United States followed a pattern of Irish surname adoption, particularly among families with Irish heritage.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Cory, Rig

Variants: Corigan, Corrigan

Sibling names for Corrigan

Names that share Corrigan's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

C is for Corrigan, our favorite little person.

C is for Corrigan…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Corrigan's letter becomes Corrigan's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Corrigan's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Corrigan mean?
The meaning of Corrigan is uncertain, but it is thought to derive from an Irish surname meaning 'spear' or 'lance'.
How popular is the name Corrigan?
Corrigan is a rare name in the United States. It first appeared in Social Security records in 1984 and reached its peak rank in 2000, but it has never ranked among the top 1,000 names.
Is Corrigan a boy's or girl's name?
Corrigan is considered unisex, though it is more commonly used for boys.