Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Haggard

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Haggard?

The surname "Haggard" is of Old English origin, derived from a nickname meaning "hoary" or "grey-haired." It may have originally been used to describe someone with prematurely grey hair. Alternatively, it could be a topographic name for someone who lived in a stony or rocky place, as "haggard" means "rough" or "stony" in Old Norse.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Haggard

The meaning and origin of the last name Haggard

The surname Haggard is of Old Norse origin, derived from the Old Norse word "hagr," which means "fierce" or "terrible." It was originally a nickname given to someone perceived as fierce or aggressive. The name was anglicized from the Old Norse form "Hagar" and the Norman-French form "Hagard." Over time, it became a hereditary surname in England, Scotland, and Ireland. Notable individuals with the surname Haggard include the English author and explorer Allen Haggard, who wrote the classic adventure novel King Solomon's Mines, and the American country music singer David Alan Haggard.

Geographical distribution of the last name Haggard

The surname Haggard is predominantly distributed across several regions globally, with notable concentrations in English-speaking countries, particularly in England, Scotland, and Ireland due to its historical origins. In England, it is most prevalent in the northwestern counties such as Cumbria, Lancashire, and Yorkshire, where it may have originated from the Old Norse word "hagr" meaning 'sturdy' or 'bold'. In Scotland, the name is also common, with significant numbers in the Highlands and Islands. The name is less frequent but still present in Ireland, particularly in Ulster, suggesting a possible Ulster-Scots origin. In North America, Haggard is found primarily among Scottish and English settlers, with concentrations in states like Pennsylvania, New York, and Virginia in the United States, as well as in Ontario and Nova Scotia in Canada. The name is also present in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, reflecting historical migrations from these British Isles.

Variants and spellings of the last name Haggard

The surname Haggard has various spelling variations, primarily due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time. Some common variations include Haggerd, Haggarde, Hagardt, Haggart, Haggardy, and Haggurd. These variations may arise from regional dialects or errors during the recording of genealogical data. Additionally, some individuals may choose to alter their surnames for personal reasons, which can lead to further variations. The original etymology of the name is Old Norse, derived from "hagr," meaning bold or fierce.

Famous people with the last name Haggard

Notable individuals with the surname Haggard include Merle Haggard (1937-2016), an American country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist who was influential in shaping the genre's post-World War II sound. His hits included "Okie from Muskogee," "Mama Tried," and "The Fightin' Side of Me." Another prominent figure is Dusty Haggard (born 1949), Merle's younger brother, who was also a country singer, best known for his 1970 hit "I Just Started Hitting You." In the realm of literature, W.D. Haggard (1863-1935) was an English writer and priest who authored over 20 books on religious subjects. Lastly, Ray Hagard (1941-1997), a British archaeologist, made significant contributions to the study of prehistoric flint tools in England and continental Europe.

Genealogical research on the last name Haggard

The surname Haggard, derived from the Old Norse word 'hagrad' meaning 'stony', has been traced back to early Scandinavian settlers who immigrated to England during the Viking invasions. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name in England was in the Doomsday Book of 1086, under the spelling Hacardus. The family later moved to Ireland and Scotland where branches of the Haggard lineage established themselves in counties such as Wicklow, Kildare, Cork, and Perthshire. Notable figures with the surname include British writer Kenneth Hagar (1896-1985), American musician Bob Haggart (1904-1975), and Australian politician Dudley Haggard (1839-1928). The Haggard lineage is still prominent in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Australia, with variations in spelling such as Hagard, Hagger, and Hagert.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Hagalag

Last name • surnames > hagalag

The surname "Hagalag" does not appear to have a known origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it is a rare or unique surname with obscure origins.

#2 Hagalwadi

Last name • surnames > hagalwadi

The last name "Hagalwadi" is of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Karnataka. It is likely derived from the place name "Hagalavadi" or "Hagalawadi", which is a village i...

#3 Haganas

Last name • surnames > haganas

The last name "Haganas" is of Lithuanian origin.

#4 Hagar khan

Last name • surnames > hagar-khan

The last name "Hagar Khan" likely has origins in Afghanistan or the surrounding regions. "Hagar" is a common Afghan surname, while "Khan" is a title of leadership or nobility in va...

#5 Hagari

Last name • surnames > hagari

The last name "Hagari" appears to have multiple possible origins. 1. Hebrew/Jewish Origin: "Hagari" is a variant spelling of the surname "Hagar." This name is derived from the Heb...

#6 Hagayan

Last name • surnames > hagayan

The last name "Hagayan" is of Filipino origin. It is a surname commonly found in the Philippines.

#7 Hage eza uddin

Last name • surnames > hage-eza-uddin

The last name "Hage Eza Uddin" is of Arabic origin. "Hage" is an Arabic honorific title, while "Eza Uddin" is a common Arabic name.

#8 Hageali

Last name • surnames > hageali

The last name "Hageali" does not have a widely recognized origin or meaning. It does not appear to have a specific cultural or linguistic root. It could possibly be a variation or ...

#9 Hagel

Last name • surnames > hagel

The last name Hagel is of German origin. It is a variant of the surname Hägele, which is a diminutive form of the German personal name Hagen, meaning "enclosure" or "hedge". Hagel...

#10 Hagelstein

Last name • surnames > hagelstein

The surname "Hagelstein" is of German origin. It is derived from the German word "hagel," meaning hail, and "stein," meaning stone. This surname likely originated as a topographic ...

#11 Hager

Last name • surnames > hager

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

#12 Hagere

Last name • surnames > hagere

The surname Hagere is of Ethiopian origin. It is derived from the Amharic word "hager," meaning "homeland" or "region."

#13 Hagers

Last name • surnames > hagers

The surname Hager is of German and Jewish origin. In Germany, it is derived from a number of place names, such as Hagen (meaning "hatch" or "enclosure") and Haiger (from hag, meani...

#14 Hagestadt

Last name • surnames > hagestadt

The last name "Hagestadt" originates from Germany. It is derived from the German words "hage" meaning "enclosure" or "hedge" and "stadt" meaning "town" or "city." This suggests tha...

#15 Haggaiʚĩɞ

Last name • surnames > haggai

The last name "Haggai" is of Hebrew origin, derived from the Biblical prophet Haggai. In Hebrew, the name means "feast" or "festive." It is a surname commonly found among Jewish co...