Ó hUiginn

Ó hUiginn is a common Irish surname, anglicized as Higgins, Higgin, and occasionally O'Higgins. It is derived from the Gaelic personal name "Uiginn," believed to mean "Viking" or "descendant of a Viking." The "Ó" prefix signifies "descendant of."

The Ó hUiginn sept originated in County Sligo in Connacht, Ireland. They were a prominent literary family, serving as hereditary poets and historians to various Gaelic chieftains, particularly the O'Connors of Connacht. Their poetic traditions were highly regarded, and members of the family held important positions in Irish society. The family spread to other parts of Ireland over time.

Notable individuals with the surname (or its Anglicized forms) include:

• Ambrosio O'Higgins, 1st Marquess of Osorno: An Irish-Spanish military officer and administrator who served as Governor of Chile and later Viceroy of Peru.
• Bernardo O'Higgins: Son of Ambrosio O'Higgins and a leader in the Chilean War of Independence, considered one of Chile's founding fathers.
• Michael D. Higgins: The current President of Ireland.

The surname continues to be prevalent in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora worldwide.