This unusual name is a variant development of the Irish MacAodhagain (the son of the son of Egan), and is usually found as Egan or Keegan. The Clan originate from the Galway, North-Tipperary region, formerly the ancient territory of Ormond. The name in its various surname forms has been recorded in England since at least the 16th Century. The recordings include Eleanor Eagin who married one Walter Spivye at St. Martins-in-the-Field on April 23rd 1692, and John Eggins who married Elizabeth Foster at St. Martins-in-the-Field on March 6th 1820. This church also witnessing the marriage of Ann Eggins to Patrick Murphy on March 30th 1845. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Ann Egan which was dated December 1st 1603 married Thomas Smithson at St. Christopher Le Stocks, London, during the reign of King James I of England VI of Scotland, 1603 - 1625. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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