Last Name Wiggins

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wiggins

The meaning and origin of the last name Wiggins

The surname Wiggins is of English origin and is derived from the given name Wigand, which itself is a composite of the elements "wig," meaning "war," and "gand," meaning "wanderer." This suggests that the name originally belonged to a warrior or a wanderer. Over time, the "d" in Wigand likely transformed into "g," resulting in the surname Wiggins. The name Wiggins has been recorded in various forms throughout history, including Wyggyns, Wigon, Wiggyns, and Wighouse. It is believed that the name Wiggins originated in the southeastern regions of England, particularly the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. Over the centuries, individuals bearing the surname Wiggins have migrated to other parts of the English-speaking world, such as Australia, Canada, and the United States, where the name has continued to be passed down through generations. Today, Wiggins remains a relatively common surname with a rich history and heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wiggins

The last name "Wiggins" has a relatively widespread geographical distribution, primarily found in the United States, Canada, and Australia. In the United States, the highest concentration of individuals with the surname Wiggins can be found in the Southern states, especially North Carolina, where the name originated when the first Wiggins family migrated to the New World. Other states with notable concentrations include Texas, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi. Across the border, Canada also has a notable population of Wiggins, particularly in Ontario and British Columbia. The name likely arrived in Canada through migration from the United States or from British immigrants. Similarly, in Australia, the surname Wiggins can be found throughout the country, but with more significant numbers in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. Outside of these three countries, the presence of the surname Wiggins is relatively scarce and scattered, with some smaller communities in the United Kingdom and South Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wiggins

The last name Wiggins has a few variations and spellings, which can be attributed to changes in pronunciation, accent, and transcription. Some common variations include Wiggin, Wyggin, Wigen, Weggen, and Wiggens. These variations often arise from regional dialects, phonetic shifts, or misspellings when recording census data or other official records. For example, individuals with a Scottish heritage might opt for the spelling Wyggin, while those with a German background may use Wigen or Weggen. Furthermore, some individuals might choose to add an "s" at the end, resulting in the variation Wiggens. It is not uncommon for different branches of a family to adopt slightly different spellings, further contributing to the diversity of Wiggins variants. Regardless of the specific spelling or variation, all these forms represent various branches of the Wiggins family tree.

Famous people with the last name Wiggins

One of the most notable families with the last name Wiggins is the basketball dynasty led by the talented Andrew Wiggins. Andrew Wiggins is a Canadian professional basketball player who, in 2014, became the first overall pick in the NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. His athletic prowess and skill have earned him numerous accolades, including the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2015. Andrew is joined by his father, Mitchell Wiggins, who himself had a successful basketball career playing both in the NBA and overseas. Apart from the basketball world, another famous person with the last name Wiggins is Richard Wiggins, a renowned British historian and scholar, specializing in the field of Anglo-Saxon literature. Known for his comprehensive research and insightful analysis, Richard's contributions to the academic community have made him a respected figure in the field of medieval studies.

Genealogical research on the last name Wiggins

The last name Wiggins has its origins in England, particularly in the counties of Sussex and Surrey. The name is derived from the given name Wigand or Wiglaf, which were popular during the Anglo-Saxon period. The Wiggins family can be traced back to the 14th century, with early records of individuals bearing this name found in various parish registers and census records. Over the years, the Wiggins family has spread and migrated to different parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Today, the surname Wiggins is relatively common, and many individuals with this name can be found in genealogical databases and family trees. Furthermore, there have been notable individuals with the last name Wiggins, including athletes, musicians, and politicians, contributing to the diverse legacy associated with the Wiggins family name.