Coogan

Coogan is a surname of Irish origin. It is an anglicized form of Gaelic names such as Ó Cuagáin (descendant of Cuagan) or related variants, and it is found among the Irish diaspora in Ireland and abroad. The spelling Coogan is one of several variants that have emerged through migration and language changes.

The most widely known bearer of the name is Jackie Coogan (1914–1984), an American child actor who gained fame in Charlie Chaplin’s The Kid. His later guardianship dispute over his earnings helped spur reforms to protect child performers. In California, the Coogan Act, first enacted in 1939, requires a portion of a minor actor’s earnings to be placed in a trust for use after reaching adulthood.

In popular culture, the name appears in titles such as Coogan’s Bluff, a 1968 film directed by Don Siegel and starring Clint Eastwood. The title refers to a location within the film’s story and has contributed to the name’s visibility beyond individual bearers.

Today, Coogan remains a recognized Irish surname with presence in various professional fields through descendants and bearers who carry forward the heritage associated with the name.