Last Name Bigby

The surname Bigby is of English origin. It is derived from a nickname for a large person, or perhaps someone who played a large instrument, such as a big drum. The name is an anglicized form of the Old Norse byname "Beygbi," which means "big" or "large." It's worth noting that surnames emerged during the Middle Ages, when it became common for people to adopt a fixed family name as an identifier, distinct from their given names. The use of such hereditary surnames has continued into modern times in many European countries and among some families in the United States.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bigby

The meaning and origin of the last name Bigby

The surname Bigby is an English patronymic name derived from the given name "Bigod," which was originally a Norman name brought to England by the Normans after their conquest in 1066. The name Bigod is believed to have originated as a nickname meaning "big jaw" or "bold." Over time, it evolved into the more familiar form of Bigby. As a surname, Bigby became popular in England and eventually spread to other English-speaking countries. Today, individuals with the surname Bigby can be found around the world, reflecting its widespread historical use.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bigby

The surname Bigby is predominantly distributed across several English-speaking countries, with significant concentrations in England and Ireland due to its Anglo-Saxon origins. In England, it's most prevalent in the northern and midlands regions, particularly in counties like Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Derbyshire. The name also has a notable presence in Ireland, specifically in County Mayo, as a result of historical migrations and Anglo-Norman invasions. In North America, the Bigby surname is most common in the United States, particularly in states with strong English immigration histories such as Massachusetts, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. There are also smaller populations in Canada, predominantly in Ontario and Quebec. The distribution pattern suggests a historical link to British settlement and colonial expansion.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bigby

The surname Bigby can have various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and pronunciation over time. Some of these variants include Bigbee, Bigbye, Biggbee, Biggie, Biggy, Bygbye, Byggie, and Bygie. These variations may arise due to factors such as regional dialects, personal preference, or errors during record keeping in the past. It is important to note that these variations do not necessarily imply different origins of the surname; they are often simply alternate ways of spelling the same name. The original spelling and pronunciation of Bigby can be traced back to Old English and means "big farm/estate" or "big settlement."

Famous people with the last name Bigby

Notable individuals bearing the surname Bigby include:

1. Michael Bigley (born as Michael Bigby), an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring names Mike Mondo and Biggie Biggs. He has competed for multiple independent promotions, including Ring of Honor and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla.

2. Jasen Vinlove Bigby, a former American football defensive tackle who played in the National Football League (NFL) for teams such as the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was selected by the Jaguars in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

3. Emma Bigby, an Australian television personality who appeared on the reality show "Big Brother Australia" in 2002. She finished as the runner-up and later became a radio presenter for Triple M Sydney.

4. Peter Biggs (known as Big Pete), a New Zealand record producer, musician, and songwriter best known for co-writing the song "You're Gonna Get Yours" with Pato Banton, which reached number 5 on the UK Singles Chart in 1989.

Genealogical research on the last name Bigby

The surname Bigby originated from England and is believed to be of occupational origin, derived from the Old English "big" meaning "large" or "great," and "beag," which means "bag." It was likely used as a nickname for a person who made or carried large bags. Early records show that the name was first documented in Yorkshire during the Middle Ages. The earliest known bearer of the name, Robert Bigby, lived in the early 13th century. Over time, the surname spread throughout England and later to other parts of the world as a result of migration. Notable individuals with the last name Bigby include John Bigby, an English politician who served in the House of Commons during the late 16th century, and Mary Bigby, an American nurse who was executed for her role in the Salem witch trials in 1692. Today, the surname is found predominantly in England, Ireland, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bigby"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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