HIGGINS
Higgins
The surname "Higgins" is of English and Irish origin, derived from the medieval given name "Higgin," a diminutive of the name "Hick," which in turn is a pet form of "Richard." The surname is considered patronymic in its origins, denoting "the son of Higgin." The name is prevalent in both England and Ireland, although its distribution in each country has historical and regional variations.
Origins and History
The Higgins surname is believed to have Norman roots, introduced to England following the Norman Conquest of 1066. Over time, the name spread to various regions in England, with notable concentrations in areas such as Lancashire, Yorkshire, and parts of London. In Ireland, the name "Higgins" is common in County Mayo and County Galway, where it is associated with descendants of English settlers who arrived in Ireland during the medieval period.
Variants and Spellings
Throughout history, the surname Higgins has been recorded with various spellings and forms, including Higgin, Higging, Higginson, Hickin, Hickins, and Hickson. These variants may have emerged due to factors such as regional dialects, clerical errors in record-keeping, or phonetic interpretations of the name.
Notable Individuals
- Joe Higgins (b. 1949): an Irish socialist politician and Member of the European Parliament.
- Kathleen Higgins (b. 1944): an American philosopher known for her work in aesthetics and phenomenology.
- Margaret Higgins (1916–1994): a British actress known for her stage and screen performances.
Legacy
The Higgins surname continues to be borne by numerous individuals around the world, with a significant presence in English-speaking countries. The name has also inspired variations in first names, such as the popular given name "Higgins."
In conclusion, the surname Higgins holds a rich history with connections to England and Ireland, reflecting the diverse origins and migrations of the people who bore the name over the centuries.
There are approximately 33,634 people named Higgins in the UK. That makes it the 230th most common surname in Britain. Around 516 in a million people in Britain are named Higgins.
Surname type: From name of parent
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
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
Female
- Anne
- Catherine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.