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Last Name Wiggs

What is the origin of the last name Wiggs?

The last name "Wiggs" is believed to have originated in England. It is a variant spelling of the surname "Wicks," which itself has several possible origins. One possible origin is from the medieval English word "wigge," which means "a wretch" or "a wanderer." This suggests that the surname may have been given to someone who was perceived as a vagabond or a wanderer. Another possibility is that "Wiggs" is a variant of the surname "Wick," which comes from the Old English word "wic," meaning "a dairy farm." This suggests that the name may have originally been associated with someone who lived or worked on a dairy farm. It is also worth noting that the name "Wiggs" could have been influenced by personal or local factors, such as a person's occupation, physical attributes, or the name of the place they originated from. However, without specific information about an individual's family history, it is challenging to determine the exact origin of the surname "Wiggs."

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Wiggs

The meaning and origin of the last name Wiggs

The surname Wiggs is of English origin, primarily found in the southeastern county of Kent. It is derived from the medieval given name "Wigot," itself a diminutive form of the Old English personal name "Wigheard." The root elements of "Wigheard" are "wig," meaning "battle" or "war," and "heard," meaning "brave" or "strong." In this context, the surname Wiggs can be interpreted as "son of Wigot" or "descendant of the brave warrior." Over time, the surname has likely undergone variations in spelling and pronunciation, such as Wigg, Wigge, or Wiggett. As with many surnames, the spelling and pronunciation may have evolved further as families migrated or phonetic changes occurred. Today, families carrying the surname Wiggs can be found not only in England but also in various parts of the world due to colonization, migration, or other historical factors.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wiggs

The last name "Wiggs" has a relatively small and concentrated geographical distribution. Primarily found in the United States, the majority of individuals with the last name "Wiggs" reside in the southeastern region of the country. States such as North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama have the highest concentration of this surname. Additionally, there are significant populations of Wiggs in Virginia, Texas, and Mississippi. Outside of the United States, the name "Wiggs" is less common but can still be found in other English-speaking countries such as England, Australia, and Canada. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name "Wiggs" reflects its origin and historical connections to the southeastern states of the United States, with smaller pockets of individuals bearing the name in other English-speaking countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wiggs

The last name Wiggs may have a few variations and alternative spellings, although the basic pronunciation remains the same. Some possible variations and spellings of Wiggs include Wigg, Wige, Wyggs, Wiggz, Wiegs, and Wygges. These variations are primarily the result of different family branches or regional differences in the spelling and pronunciation of surnames throughout history. For instance, an individual's ancestor who initially held the surname Wiggs might have migrated to a new region where the spelling was altered or anglicized. Additionally, variations in paperwork, such as census records or legal documents, could have unintentionally resulted in alternative spellings being recorded. Despite these variations, all the listed spellings of Wiggs stem from the same origin and represent different renditions of the name throughout time and different regions.

Famous people with the last name Wiggs

While the last name "Wiggs" may not be as common as some others, several notable individuals have borne this surname. Tamera Wiggs is an accomplished surgeon and Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch, well-regarded for her expertise in transplant hepatology. Another prominent figure is Marianne Wiggs, a notable human rights activist who has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of marginalized communities worldwide. In the realm of sports, Jay Wiggs is a celebrated football player, known for his exceptional skills as a wide receiver and his contributions to his team's success. Jazz enthusiasts may recognize the name Marcia Wiggs, a highly talented pianist who has performed alongside jazz legends and has released several critically acclaimed albums. These individuals illustrate that despite a less common surname, the Wiggs family has made notable and significant contributions in various fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Wiggs

The genealogical research on the last name Wiggs traces back to its probable origin in England. The surname Wiggs is believed to be of occupational origin, indicating a person involved in the production or sale of wigs. The earliest records of the name date back to the 16th century, with references found in various regions of England. Over the centuries, some members of the Wiggs family migrated to other parts of the world during periods of exploration, colonization, and economic opportunity. As a result, Wiggs families are now found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among others. Through extended research efforts, it is possible to uncover specific branches and lineages within the Wiggs family, connecting individuals with their ancestors and distant relatives. Modern genealogical resources, such as online databases, historical records, and DNA testing, can provide valuable insights and help individuals delve deeper into their Wiggs ancestry.

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 : 11 April 2025

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