WIDGERY

Widgery

Origin and Meaning: Widgery is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name Wigeard, meaning "war-strong," combined with the suffix "-ery," denoting a place or origin. The surname Widgery therefore signifies "descendant of Wigeard."

Historical Significance: The first recorded instance of the Widgery surname dates back to 1229, in the county of Devon, England. Over the centuries, the Widgery family has been notably present in the Southwest of England, particularly in Devon and Cornwall.

Coat of Arms: The Widgery coat of arms typically features symbols such as a lion, eagle, or shield, embodying strength, courage, and protection.

Notable Individuals: One of the most renowned figures with the surname Widgery is Sir Edwin Widgery (1912-1992), a celebrated British landscape painter known for his depictions of the moors and coastline of Devon and Cornwall. Widgery was also a co-founder of the Newlyn Society of Artists.

Modern Presence: In modern times, the Widgery surname maintains a limited but notable presence in Britain. The name continues to be linked to individuals and families predominantly in parts of Devon and Cornwall, reflecting a heritage rooted in the region's history and culture.

References:

• P. H. Reaney, A Dictionary of English Surnames, Oxford University Press, 1997.
• Burke's Peerage & Gentry, The Complete Guide to Heraldry, HarperCollins, 1994.
• Cornwall Artists Index, https://cornwallartists.org/cornwall-artists/EDWIN-WIDGERY, Accessed December 2021.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

• Adam
• Andrew
• David
• John
• Kevin
• Mark
• Michael
• Miles
• Paul
• Robert
• Simon
• Stephen

Female

• Angela
• Kathleen
• Laura
• Louise
• Lynne
• Margaret
• Mary
• Sandra
• Susan
• Valerie

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.