The Quigley Family History

What Does the Quigley Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Quigley is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic word 'congeal,' which translates to an individual with disheveled or unkempt hair. There are several variations of the surname, including O’Quigg, Quigg, Quigly, O’Quigley, Cogley, and MacQuigg. The early Quigley families were primarily established in County Mayo, Ireland. In England, the surname found concentration in the northern counties of Durham, Yorkshire, and Lancashire. Scottish families bearing the Quigley name were located in the regions of Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire. In the United States, individuals with the surname Quigley began to arrive around the 1670s, predominantly settling in Maryland. Subsequently, they established communities in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Illinois, and California. Notable individuals with the surname include actress Maggie Quigley, professional golfer Brett Quigley, author Hugh Quigley, historian Carroll Quigley, and film actress Linnea Quigley.