Surname Bigger - Meaning and Origin

Bigger: What does the surname Bigger mean?

The surname Bigger is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from England. It is believed to be a patronymic name, meaning it is based on the name of a male ancestor. The name is evolved from the personal name "Bigge", which is of uncertain origin, but may have been a nickname for a large or stout person, from the Middle English word "bigge" (strong or stout). The suffix "-er" simply designates "son of." Therefore, Bigger might mean "son of Bigge". As many surnames evolved based on trades, physical attributes, location, or patronyms, the evolution and meaning of the Bigger name likely falls into one of these broad categories. It is crucial to keep in mind that surname spellings have often changed over centuries, varying based on literacy levels and regional dialects. However, the exact interpretation can be difficult due to the passage of time and the lack of historical documentation. The name Bigger is found more frequently in England and other English-speaking countries.

Bigger: Where does the name Bigger come from?

The surname Bigger originates from England, derived from both geographic and occupational roots. The name could be linked to a place called Biggar in Lanarkshire, Scotland which means "barley farm" in Old Norse. Alternatively, it could be from the Middle English term "bigger," referring to a maker or seller of bows, derived from the Old English "boga" or "bogi."

Despite its English origins, today this surname is relatively rare in England itself. It is more common in the United States, especially among African Americans. This is largely due to various historical factors such as interracial marriages and former slaves adopting their owners' surnames. The name became prominently identified with the African American community after Richard Wright's 1940 novel, Native Son, in which the protagonist is an African American man named Bigger Thomas.

The name can also be found in Northern Ireland, especially in Ulster, due to the strong connections between the British and Irish through centuries of migration. Bigger is not as prevalent in other parts of the world. Regardless of geography, the surname Bigger carries a long history linked to trades, geography, and societal transitions.

Variations of the surname Bigger

The surname Bigger is of Anglo-Saxon origin and has several alternate spellings and many variations. Some of these include Biggar, Bigar, Bigir, Bygger, Biger, Beager, Biggere, Bigere, Beger, and Biggerstaff, each with its own deviation due to localization, pronunciation, and translation over time.

Another connected surname is McBigger, which is the Gaelic variation stemming from Scottish and Irish ancestry, usually meaning "son of Bigger". Bigg, Biggs and Bigger could also be surnames of patronymic origin, denoting the "son of Bigge".

Moreover, it's also found in various compound forms, such as Biggerhouse or Biggerhill, typically signifying geographical locations or land owned by those named Bigger.

The surname's occurrences in different countries due to family migration can also lead to variations in spelling and pronunciation, depending on the specific phonetics of the local language, which might lead to many more potential variants of the surname.

Therefore, while Bigger is the most common form, an array of variations exist, which can all be traced back to the same root surname. Still, the exact nature and extent of the variations would depend on several historical and demographic factors.

Famous people with the name Bigger

• Blake Bigger: American basketball player who plays college basketball for the Georgia Bulldogs.
• Ted Bigger: Professional golfer who plays on the European Tour.
• John Bigger: Former Major League Baseball player for the San Diego Padres.
• Julie Bigger: Former American Olympic swimmer.
• Graham Bigger: American actor and former host of Nickelodeon's All That.
• Stephen Bigger: British actor, best known for his roles in Game of Thrones and The The Musketeers.
• Tina Bigger: Singer and songwriter from Austin, Texas.
• Nate Bigger: Professional surfer from California.
• Timothy Bigger: Australian actor, known for his roles in Blue Heelers, McLeod's Daughters and most recently in The Warriors.
• Josh Bigger: Canadian actor, best known for his roles in the television show Bitten and the feature film Detention of the Dead.

Other surnames

BiggeBiggersBiggerstaffBigges