Biggs

Biggs is a surname of English origin, believed to derive from the Old English words "big" and "leah", meaning "big" or "bold", and "clearing" or "meadow" respectively. The name is considered to have originated as a byname for a person who was stout or corpulent.

Distribution and Historical Background

The surname Biggs is most commonly found in England, particularly in regions such as Devon, Somerset, and Gloucestershire. It first appeared in records in the 13th century when it was typically spelled as "Bigges" or "Bygges". The name has seen various phonetic changes and spellings over the centuries, reflecting the evolution of the English language.

Notable Individuals

  • Alexander M. Biggs (1921–1999): An English structural engineer known for his work on the design and construction of a variety of buildings and structures.
  • Arthur Biggs (1892–1962): A British professional footballer who played as a defender for various clubs in the early 20th century.
  • Jennifer Biggs (b. 1972): An English actress and model who has appeared in numerous television shows and films.

Variants

Variants of the surname Biggs include Byggs, Bigges, and Bigg.

References

  • P.H. Reany, R.M. Wilson, "A Dictionary of English Surnames", Oxford University Press, 1995.
  • P. Hanks, F. Hodges, "A Dictionary of Surnames", Oxford University Press, 1988.

There are approximately 10,642 people named Biggs in the UK. That makes it the 866th most common surname in Britain. Around 163 in a million people in Britain are named Biggs.

Surname type: Nickname

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Joan
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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