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Last Name Biggio

What is the origin of the last name Biggio?

The surname Biggio is of Italian origin. It is derived from various places in Italy that bear the name "Bigio," which means "yellow" or "pale" in Italian. This name was often given to individuals who lived near these places or were originally from there. Another possibility is that it is a nickname for someone with yellow hair or pale complexion.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Biggio

The meaning and origin of the last name Biggio

The surname Biggio is of Italian origin and derives from the medieval occupational name "bigio," which referred to a dyer who used indigo as one of his dyes. Indigo, being a deep blue color, would have been a prized dye in medieval Europe due to its rarity and value. Over time, the surname evolved to Biggio, often found among people of Italian descent. In contemporary times, notable figures with this surname include former Major League Baseball player Craig Biggio.

Geographical distribution of the last name Biggio

The surname Biggio is predominantly Italian, originating from various regions including Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Lombardy. It is also found in significant numbers in Argentina and Brazil due to Italian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In North America, it is most common in Canada and the United States, particularly in areas with a high concentration of Italian-American populations such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. In Europe, apart from Italy, there are also notable occurrences of the surname in France and Switzerland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Biggio

The surname Biggio has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Bigge, Biggi, Biggia, Biggu, Biggio, and Bygio. These variations may stem from regional dialects or errors in historical records. In Italian, the surname Biggio is derived from occupational names for a builder or mason, with "bigio" meaning "muddy" or "clayey," referring to the type of soil often used in construction. Other possible origins include patronymic names derived from the personal name Biagio or Biasio, which mean "bountiful" or "exuberant." Despite these variations, all these surnames are closely related and share a common root.

Famous people with the last name Biggio

Craig Biggio and Enos Biggio are the most renowned individuals with the surname Biggio. Both hail from the United States and have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Craig Biggio, a former Major League Baseball player, spent his entire career with the Houston Astros from 1988 to 2007. He was a seven-time All-Star, six-time Gold Glove Award winner, and three-time Silver Slugger Award recipient. Enos Biggio, Craig's brother, also played professional baseball for eight seasons with the Houston Astros from 1995 to 2002. While not as high-profile as his brother, he was still a respected player in the league. Outside of sports, there is also Candyce Biggio, an American actress and producer who has appeared in numerous television shows and films throughout her career.

Genealogical research on the last name Biggio

The surname Biggio originates from Italy and is commonly found in regions such as Tuscany, Lombardy, and Emilia-Romagna. It is an occupational name derived from "bigio," meaning "dyer" or "tanner." The Biggios were skilled artisans who worked with dyes and tanning processes. One notable figure with the surname Biggio is Vince Biggio, a Major League Baseball player who played for several teams between 1952 and 1967. In terms of genealogy, many families with the last name Biggio can be traced back to specific Italian towns, particularly Florence and Siena. Records show that the Biggio family in these areas dates back to at least the 1300s. The surname has also been spelled variously as Bicho, Bicchi, Bichi, and Bigghi over the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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