Quigly

The name "Quigly" is a surname of Irish origin. It is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Ó Coigligh," meaning "descendant of Coigleach." The personal name "Coigleach" is thought to derive from the word "coigeal," meaning "distaff," the tool used for spinning flax.

The surname Quigly, and its variations, are primarily found in counties Donegal and Tyrone in Ulster, Ireland. Emigration from Ireland, particularly during the Great Famine in the mid-19th century, led to the spread of the name to other countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Variations of the surname include, but are not limited to, Quigley, Quickley, and Cogley. Historical records document instances of these various spellings used interchangeably, sometimes even within the same family lineage. The specific spelling adopted by individuals often depended on regional dialects, literacy levels, and the preferences of immigration officials.