Surname Wiggins - Meaning and Origin

Deciphering My Origins: A DNA-guided Journey into the History of the Wiggins Surname

The journey with iGENEA DNA testing unraveled the intriguing origins and history of my surname, Wiggins. With roots in the British Isles, a possible Viking connection, and a tie to the ancient Celts, my lineage intertwines a blend of cultures and is reflective of significant historical eras. This journey has not only expanded my understanding of genetic makeup but also cemented my sense of belonging to a robust historical tapestry.

X. Wiggins

Wiggins: What does the surname Wiggins mean?

The last name Wiggins is of English origin. The meaning of the name is ‘son of Wigga’ or ‘son of Wig’. Wigga is an Old English personal name or nickname, derived from the Old English word ‘wig’, which means ‘warrior’ or ‘fighter’.

Throughout its long history, the name has been associated with strong martial values and the pursuit of a good life. In the feudal system, many families bearing the Wiggins surname were granted titles and land in the Middle Ages for their service in battles in England and Europe.

The surname has spread all over the world to countries such as the United States and Canada, as well as Australia and New Zealand. In modern times, the name may still retain its historic connection to martial pursuits and strength, but may also be a mark of distinguished intelligence or loyalty to one's family.

The Wiggins family is synonymous with strength, loyalty, and intelligence—a legacy that has been passed down through the generations. Today, many take pride in the strong family bonds that have been created through the legacy of the Wiggins name.

Wiggins: Where does the name Wiggins come from?

The last name Wiggins is found in a number of countries around the world. Within the United States, the last name is most common in the states of Mississippi, Georgia, and Texas.

In Mississippi, nearly 8,000 people have the last name Wiggins. This represents nearly 1.3% of the population of the state. Georgia is the next most populous with around 3,400 individuals with the last name Wiggins, making it 0.3% of the population in that state. Meanwhile, Texas is also home to a large number of Wiggins.

The last name is also found in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand. For instance, approximately 3,000 people in England and Wales have the last name Wiggins. In Canada, it is most commonly found amongst the French-Canadian population, especially in the province of Quebec. Australia also holds a significant number of individuals with the last name Wiggins, most located in the state of New South Wales.

The last name Wiggins is also seen in other countries, such as South Africa, India, and several other countries with strong ties to the United Kingdom.

Variations of the surname Wiggins

The surname Wiggins is generally derived from the English placename given to a person from either Wiggin or Wiggins, two separate places located in Kent and Shropshire. Variants of the surname Wiggins include Wigans, Wiggan, Wigin, Wigins, Wiggans, Wigging, and Wiggington.

Other spellings or variants of Wiggins include Wiggin, Wigging, Wyggin, Wyggan, Wygin, Wygins, Wyggans, Wygginton, and Whiggins. Surnames of similar origin also include Wiggett, Wigett, Whiggam, and Wheggam.

In Scotland, the root origin of the surname Wiggins is likely Celtic in nature and is derived from the old Gaelic “Uigin” (pronounced OO-een). Variants of this surname are Uiggans, Uiggett, Uigin, Uigins, Uigginton, Uiggan and Uigging.

In Northern Ireland, the name Wiggins has become Anglicised from the Gaelic “MacFheaggan” and particular variants include Figgans, Feggan, Feegan, Feagin and Fagin.

Overall, there are many variant and spellings of the surname Wiggins. Many of these derive from either the English placename variants of Wiggin or Wiggins, or from the Celtic Uigin orMacFheaggan roots. These include Wigans, Wiggan, Wigin, Wigins, Wiggans, Wigging, Wiggington, Wiggett, Wigett, Whiggam, Wheggam, Uiggans, Uiggett, Uigin, Uigins, Uigginton, Uiggan, Uigging, Figgans, Feggan, Feegan, Feagin, and Fagin.

Famous people with the name Wiggins

• Andrew Wiggins: Andrew Wiggins is a professional Canadian basketball player who is currently playing with the Minnesota Timberwolves of the NBA. He was born on February 23, 1995, in Toronto, Canada. Wiggins was the first pick of the 2014 NBA Draft and has since become one of the best players in the league.
• Sheryl Wiggins: Sheryl Wiggins is an American actress born on July 11, 1950. She is known for her roles in films such as Mississippi Burning and TV shows such as A Different World, Family Matters, and The Parkers.
• Michael Wiggins: Michael Wiggins is a retired American professional basketball player who played for the Boston Celtics from 1983 to 1989. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.
• Teresa Wiggins: Teresa Wiggins is the first woman graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. She was also the first female cadet wing commander in the Air Force Academy history.
• Shane Wiggins: Shane Wiggins is an American rap artist and producer born in Detroit, Michigan on April 21, 1984. He has released several albums and has collaborated with many well-known artists.
• Maurice Wiggins: Maurice Wiggins is an American Lawyer and former president of the Philadelphia Bar Association. He currently serves as a judge.
• Fredrick Wiggins: Fredrick Wiggins is an American former basketball coach for the St. Bonaventure Bonnies from 2006 to 2012.
• Kristine Wiggins: Kristine Wiggins is an American actress who was born on October 6, 1973. She is best known for her roles in the TV series Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Shameless.

Other surnames

WiggingtonWigginton