Surname Biggins - Meaning and Origin

Biggins: What does the surname Biggins mean?

The surname Biggins is of Irish origin, derived from the Irish Gaelic surname O'Beagain, which itself originated from the Irish given name Beagán. The name Beagán is thought to have been derived from the word "beag," meaning small or little in Irish, with the "án" suffix denoting endearment. Therefore, the name could be interpreted as 'little one' or 'beloved little one'. The surname Biggins, along with its variations (Biggin, Biggens, Beggan, etc.), indicates a person's descent from a familial line associated with the original bearer of this name. The spread of the Biggins surname outside of Ireland is largely due to the diaspora of Irish people throughout history, significantly during the Great Irish Famine in the mid-19th century. Like many surnames, over centuries and geographical movements, the original spelling and pronunciation have been altered, resulting in numerous variations. Today, individuals with the Biggins surname can be found in different parts of the globe, a testament to their Irish heritage and ancestry.

Biggins: Where does the name Biggins come from?

The surname Biggins is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English term "bygging’" which means a building or a dwelling. It is a locative surname, given to someone who lived in or near a significant building such as a hall, manor, or castle. It could also be an occupational surname given to someone involved in construction of buildings.

Today, Biggins is most common in England, especially in the northern regions. It is also found in other English speaking countries due to emigration, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It's important to note that the distribution of the surname Biggins has changed over time due to migration trends and patterns. The surname Biggins is not highly concentrated in any one location, which indicates it’s likely spread out due to people migrating and taking the surname with them. Overall, it remains relatively uncommon on a global scale.

Variations of the surname Biggins

The surname Biggins has several alternate spellings and variants. Some of these include Biggin, Biggen, Biggons, Biggins, Biggons, Biggans, Biggen, Beggin, and Beggen. The variations in spelling often depend on the phonetics of the geographical region.

This surname has a British origin and is primarily associated with England. Derived from the Old English pre 7th Century "bycgan", meaning to buy or barter. The original bearer of the name likely worked as a trader or merchant.

In terms of surnames of the same origin, those which also derived from work or professions carried out by the original bearers often have a similar background. For example, the surnames Merchant, Trader or Smith also derive from the profession of the original bearer.

While it's thought to primarily have connections to the British Isles, like many surnames, it has undoubtedly spread across the world due to migration, and so could be found in various forms in different countries depending on local dialects and languages.

Famous people with the name Biggins

• Christopher Biggins: An English actor and television presenter in the United Kingdom. He is known for his roles in sitcoms "Porridge" and "Rentaghost".
• Darrella Biggins: She is a former American beauty queen and winner of the Miss Cosmos International pageant.
• Keith Biggins: An American business executive who served as Chairman of the authoritative real estate information provider, CoStar.
• Laura Biggins: A famous university recruiter and diversity advocate in higher education.
• Charles Biggins: An American author known for his book "When the Saints Go Marching In".
• Angelica Biggins: A well known dance instructor in New York City.

Other surnames

Biggin