Bignall

Bignall is a British surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name Bicga, meaning 'biter', and the Old English word halh, meaning 'nook' or 'remote valley'. The name originated as a nickname to describe someone who lived in a secluded valley.

History

The first recorded instance of the Bignall surname dates back to the early 13th century in the county of Staffordshire in England. Over the centuries, the name has spread to various regions across the UK and beyond, carried by individuals and families who have migrated or emigrated for various reasons.

Notable People
  • John Bignall (1801-1876): An English painter renowned for his landscapes and seascapes, particularly his detailed portrayals of coastal towns and fishing villages.

  • Lucy Bignall (b. 1985): A British biologist and environmentalist known for her work in conservation biology and efforts to protect endangered species in the UK.

Variants

Variants of the Bignall surname include Bignal, Bignell, and Bignill, each reflecting the regional dialects and evolution of the name over time.

There are approximately 754 people named Bignall in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,177th most common surname in Britain. Around 12 in a million people in Britain are named Bignall.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

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

  • Adrian
  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Carol
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Gillian
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Linda
  • Lisa
  • Mary
  • Nancy
  • Sarah
  • Sharon
  • Susan
  • Yvonne

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