Surname Baugh - Meaning and Origin

Delving into Ancestral Roots: The iGENEA DNA Analysis Journey Unraveling the Baugh Lineage

Venturing into the past to trace the origin of my family name, Baugh, I engaged in an enlightening DNA Test with iGENEA. From an English lineage to Celtic roots and finding unexpected connections, the process immersed me in a rich tapestry of ancestral history, bound by the bond of a surname.

N. Baugh

Baugh: What does the surname Baugh mean?

The surname Baugh is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English term "beag" or old Norse "baugr" meaning "ring". In the ancient feudal times in England, this was used metaphorically to denote a bend or curve in a physical geographic feature, such as a hill or a curve in a river. Therefore, individuals with this last name likely lived near a significant topographical feature matching this description. The surname has several spelling variations including Baughe, Baugha, and others due to the translation from the Old English or Norse. Like many surnames, it was originally used to help distinguish individuals with the same first name in smaller communities. As populations grew and people began to travel more, the use of surnames became more prominent and necessary.

Baugh: Where does the name Baugh come from?

The surname Baugh originates from England and is derived from the Old Norse personal name Baggi and the Old English pre 7th Century word "beag" that means "ring". It is suggested that the name might signify a landlord or officer with the power of life or death. It could also denote someone who is master of his lands and special military retinue. From the Middle Ages onwards, it was used as a nickname for a person who was considered bold or daring.

Today, Baugh is still commonly found in England, particularly in areas like Herefordshire, Shropshire, and the West Midlands. Outside of England, it is also prevalent in the United States. During the 17th century, many English families emigrated to the US and other British colonies. Today, there is a notable concentration of people named Baugh in states like Utah, Texas, and California. However, despite their presence in the US, those bearing the name Baugh in the country are fewer than those in the United Kingdom.

Variations of the surname Baugh

The surname Baugh is considered to be of Welsh origin and is derived from bald, barr, or bar, which mean "summit", "top", or "peak". Over time, variations of the surname Baugh have come about due to spelling discrepancies, translation errors, and region-specific adaptations. Variations could include Bagh, Baug, Bag, Baughe, Bough, Baue, Baughes and Baughn.

Another possible origin for the name Baugh might be the Old Norse personal name Baggi and the Old Danish Bugh. From these, variants might include Bage, Bagge, Bai, Baigh or Bay.

Additionally, as the surname made its way into other languages and cultures, variations evolved to adapt to the local phonetics and spelling traditions. For instance, in Germany, it could have taken the form Bau or Bauche.

Please note that although these are potentially correct variants or derivatives, genealogical research would be necessary to definitively link the variants to the original surname. This is due to the complexity involved in surname evolution, which could consist of anglicization, phonetic changes due to migration, common misspellings, or changed by personal choice.

Famous people with the name Baugh

• Sammy Baugh: An American football player and coach, Baugh is often considered one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the National Football League (NFL).
• Johnny Baugh: An internationally recognized professional golfer from Texas. He won five PGA Tours during his career.
• Steve Baugh: An American politician and a former member of the Utah House of Representatives.
• Clive Baugh: The bassist for the influential rock band, The Pretty Things.
• Erik Baugh: A concept artist and illustrator known for his work in the film industry.
• Gary Baugh: A production designer and art director known for movies such as The Jungle Book, Pearl Harbor, and Transformers.
• Chris Baugh: An Irish writer and director, known for his movies like Bad Day for the Cut and Boys from County Hell.
• Joanne Baugh: An American actress known for her role in the TV series "Divorce Court."
• Barbara Baugh: Renowned as an educator, Baugh is the founder of the San Antonio, Texas, private school Cornerstone Christian School.
• Don Baugh: Former professional footballer from Blackpool, England. These are a few notable people with the last name 'Baugh.'

Other surnames

BaughanBaughenBaughmanBaughnBauguessBaugusBauguss