The surname Piggott is of English origin and is derived from various places with the same name in England. The most notable is Piggotts Green, a hamlet in Northamptonshire, which appeared as "Pygotes" in the Domesday Book in 1086. The name likely comes from the Old English words "pygg" meaning "mud" and "hytte" meaning "hut," suggesting an original dwelling built with mud. Another possible origin is from the Middle English word "pigot," meaning "little pig," which may have been a nickname for someone who resembled a pig or worked with pigs.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Piggott
The meaning and origin of the last name Piggott
The surname Piggott is an English occupational name derived from the Old English words "pygg" (meaning 'mud') and "cot" (meaning 'hut' or 'cottage'). Initially, it was likely used as a nickname for someone who lived in or near a mud cottage. Over time, the surname Piggott evolved as a result of various spelling changes due to regional dialects and scribes' handwriting styles. The name first appeared in records during the Middle Ages and is thought to have been most prevalent in the southern counties of England such as Dorset and Hampshire. Variations of the surname include Piggot, Pigott, Pygott, and Peggot.
Geographical distribution of the last name Piggott
The surname Piggott is predominantly found in England and Ireland, with significant concentrations in both countries. In England, it is most frequent in the West Country, particularly in Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset, where it may have originated from the Old English word "pig" meaning pig or piglet, and the suffix "-cot" denoting a homestead or cottage. The name also has a strong presence in London and its surrounding counties. In Ireland, Piggott is more common in the eastern provinces of Leinster and Munster, with some instances in Ulster and Connacht as well. A smaller number of Piggotts can be found in Scotland, Wales, and North America, where they were likely emigrants from England or Ireland. The distribution suggests a historical association with farming communities in the British Isles.
Variants and spellings of the last name Piggott
The surname Piggott has several variations and spellings due to historical spelling inconsistencies and regional dialects. Some common variants include Piggot, Piggotte, Piggett, Pygott, Pigot, Pygott, and Picket. These variations arise from the use of different spellings for the original name, which could have been derived from the Old English word "pygga" meaning 'mud' or 'clay.' Over time, regional dialects and phonetic spelling influenced the evolution of these surnames. For instance, the 'g' in Piggott can sometimes be replaced with a 'k' in certain dialects, hence Pikket or Picket. These variations highlight the rich history of the name Piggott and its connections to diverse geographical locations.
Famous people with the last name Piggott
Arthur Piggott (1869-1939) was a British mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to celestial mechanics. He worked at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, where he collaborated with Sir George Airy and Albert Aitken on various projects. Another notable figure is Elizabeth Piggott (born 1936), an English archaeologist who has been instrumental in the study of prehistoric art in Europe. She discovered the rock art at La Verna in Italy, which led to a greater understanding of Palaeolithic art. In the world of literature, John Piggott (1926-2005) was an Australian writer and academic who authored several books on Australian history, including "The Birth of White Australia." Furthermore, Sir John Piggott (born 1940), a British judge, served as the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales from 2005 to 2010. His career in law spans over four decades, marked by significant contributions to the legal system.
Genealogical research on the last name Piggott
The surname Piggott is of English origin, derived from various places named with the Old English word "pygg(e)ot," meaning pig or swine enclosure. The earliest recorded spelling of the family name can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086 as 'Pigget' and 'Pygget.'
Throughout history, notable individuals bearing the Piggott surname have emerged. For instance, John Piggott was a member of Parliament in England during the early 14th century, while John Piggott served as Mayor of Dublin, Ireland in 1680. In more modern times, the British astronomer Richard Piggott (1720-1796) made significant contributions to astronomy and mathematics.
Today, the Piggott family can be found across England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. Genealogical research is a valuable resource for tracing the lineage of those with the surname Piggott and delving into their shared history.
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