Last Name Bigel

The surname Bigel or Biggs is of English origin and it's derived from a nickname for a short or stout person. The name comes from the Middle English "bigge" meaning "beech-mast," which was used as a term of endearment or to describe someone with a round or plump figure. The surname has also been associated with the occupational name for a baker, derived from Old English "big(e)" meaning "bread." It's worth noting that surnames began to appear in England during the Middle Ages, as a way to distinguish individuals with the same given name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bigel

The meaning and origin of the last name Bigel

The surname Bigel (or Biggs) is an English-origin name with potential Anglo-Saxon roots. It is believed to be derived from the Old English word "beaga," meaning "money" or "coins." This could have been used as a nickname for someone who was wealthy or generous, or it may have referred to a dealer in coins. Another theory suggests that the name might have originated from a medieval English term "bigge," meaning porridge made of boiled milk and oats, and thus, Bigel could have been an occupational surname for a person who prepared or sold this food. Over time, various spelling variations such as Begley, Bigg, and Biggs have emerged due to letter transpositions and regional dialects.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bigel

The surname Bigel is predominantly found in England and Wales, with a significant concentration in the counties of Somerset, Devon, and Dorset, suggesting an origin from these regions. However, it has also been traced in other parts of England such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Staffordshire. Emigration to America began in the 17th century, with a notable number of Bigels settling in New England, particularly Massachusetts and Connecticut. Over time, descendants of these families spread across the United States, with substantial populations found in states like Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa. In Canada, the name is most common in Ontario and Quebec, likely due to migration from the northeastern U.S. Overall, the Bigel surname has a strong presence in English-speaking countries as a result of historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bigel

The surname Bigel or Biggs can have various spelling variations due to historical transcription errors or regional differences in pronunciation. Some common variations of Bigel include Biggle, Biegler, and Biagel. These variations may arise from slight changes in pronunciation over time, or from attempts to phonetically represent the name in different writing systems. Similarly, the surname Biggs can also be spelled as Biggz, Bigge, Bigg, Biggess, and other similar variations. It's important to note that these variations may have different origins or meanings, although they are often closely related.

Famous people with the last name Bigel

Notable individuals with the surname Bigelow include:

1. Michael Bigelow (born 1948), an American astronaut who served as a mission specialist on Space Shuttle missions STS-63, STS-71, and STS-86. He spent a total of over 21 days in space.

2. Mary Bigelow (1905-1998), an American mathematician who worked on the development of the Hydrogen Bomb during World War II as part of the Manhattan Project.

3. Andy Bigelow (born 1976), an English professional footballer who played as a defender for clubs like Blackburn Rovers and Wigan Athletic in the Premier League.

4. Jeffrey Bigelow (born 1950), an American film director, producer, and screenwriter best known for movies like "Point Break" (1991) and "Blue Steel" (1990).

5. John Bigelow (1817-1879), an American newspaper publisher who founded the New York Evening Post in 1833, making it one of the oldest newspapers in the United States.

6. Basil Hall Chamberlain Bigelow (1820-1879), an English engineer and inventor who designed locomotives and was a pioneer in the development of the Bessemer process for manufacturing steel.

Genealogical research on the last name Bigel

The Bigel surname is of Old Norse origin, derived from the personal name "Beigulfr" or "Bjorgulf," which means "bear wolf." This name was brought to England by Viking settlers in the late 9th and early 10th centuries. The Bigel family can be traced back to Roger Bigod, who was born around 1100 AD and was one of the most powerful barons in medieval England. He played a significant role in the Anarchy, a civil war fought between Stephen of Blois and Empress Matilda for the English throne during the early 12th century. The Bigod family's estates included the Norfolk manors of Framlingham, Bungay, and Diss. Over time, variations of the name such as Biggs, Beagley, Begley, and Beagle also emerged due to phonetic spelling changes. The Bigel lineage continued through several generations, with notable members serving in positions of power and influence throughout English history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "bigel"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends