BIGGAR
Biggar
Origin and Meaning The surname Biggar is of Old French origin, derived from the word "beegard," which means a beekeeper. The name later evolved into the English form "Bigger." The variant "Biggar" is more commonly found in Scotland, particularly in Lanarkshire.
History The Biggar surname has ancient roots in the British Isles, with records dating back to the medieval period. The name is believed to have been brought to Scotland by Normans who settled in the region. The town of Biggar in Lanarkshire may also have been a source of the surname, with inhabitants adopting the town name as a surname.
Distribution The surname Biggar is most prevalent in Scotland, especially in Lanarkshire and the surrounding areas. There are also pockets of Biggar families in England and other parts of the United Kingdom. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, due to emigration from the UK.
Notable People
- William Lawrence Biggar (1853–1926) – Canadian politician and businessman
- John Biggar (1824–1890) – Scottish missionary in South Africa
- Bryan Biggar (b. 1963) – British entrepreneur and philanthropist
Coat of Arms The Biggar family has a coat of arms that features elements symbolising strength, industry, and perseverance. The crest may include bees or beehives to represent the family's historical ties to beekeeping.
Legacy The Biggar surname continues to be passed down through generations, with descendants of Biggar families around the world proudly bearing the name. The surname serves as a reminder of the family's heritage and ancestral ties to Scotland and the United Kingdom.
There are approximately 721 people named Biggar in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,488th most common surname in Britain. Around 11 in a million people in Britain are named Biggar.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Alistair
- Allan
- Andrew
- Craig
- Grant
- Ian
- James
- John
- Paul
- Robert
- William
Female
- Angela
- Bridget
- Carol
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jean
- Joan
- Karen
- Margaret
- Maria
- Nicola
- Sa
- Susan