What is the origin of the last name Briggs?
Countries of origin for the last name Briggs
The last name Briggs has its origins in England. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Brigg, which is a diminutive form of the name Bridget. The name Bridget is of Celtic origin, meaning “exalted” or “strength.” As a patronymic surname, Briggs indicates “son of Brigg” or “descendant of Brigg.”
The surname first appeared in written records in the 13th century. It was initially concentrated in Yorkshire, where it was most prevalent. Over time, the surname spread across other regions of England, such as Lancashire, Cheshire, and London.
One notable historical figure with the surname Briggs was Sir Richard Briggs, an English mathematician in the 18th century. He made significant contributions to the field of calculus.
The popularity of the surname Briggs has endured through the centuries. Today, it is most commonly found in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and Canada. Within the United States, the surname is most prevalent in the states of Texas, California, and Ohio.
The Briggs surname has variations in spelling, including Brigg, Brigs, and Briggman. These variations may have originated from regional dialects or through individual family preferences.
It is important to note that the meaning of a surname can vary among different individuals and families, and it is not always possible to determine an exact meaning for each specific case. The meaning of Briggs, however, can be traced back to its patronymic origin and association with the given name Brigg.
While the historical records provide valuable insights into the origins and spread of the Briggs surname, there are still many possibilities and gaps in our knowledge. Further research and exploration may uncover additional information and connections that contribute to our understanding of this surname and its significance to the individuals and families who bear it.
Interesting facts about the last name Briggs
- The surname Briggs is of English origin and is derived from the Old Norse word “bryggja” which means “bridge”.
- According to the World Names Profiler, the majority of individuals with the surname Briggs can be found in the United States, particularly in Texas, Ohio, and California.
- The surname Briggs can also be found in other English-speaking countries such as England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Famous individuals with the surname Briggs include Arthur Briggs, a noted jazz cornetist from Barbados, and Clare Briggs, an American cartoonist known for his comic strip “A. Piker Clerk”.
- In heraldry, the Briggs coat of arms typically features a red lion rampant on a silver shield, symbolizing strength and courage.
- The Briggs surname has various spellings and variations including Brigg, Brygg, Brigge, and Brigs.
- There are several places named Briggs around the world, including Briggs, Texas in the United States and Briggs, Jamaica in the Caribbean.
- Briggs is also a popular brand name, known for producing engines, generators, and outdoor power equipment.
- The Briggs surname may have originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near or worked on a bridge, or as a habitational name for those who resided in places named “Briggs”.
- According to census records, the Briggs surname was most commonly associated with occupations such as farming, coal mining, and manufacturing.
Name Rank
#572
There are around 58408 people with the last name Briggs in the US