Surname Dwiggins - Meaning and Origin
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Dwiggins: What does the surname Dwiggins mean?
The surname Dwiggins is believed to have English origin. Like many surnames, it may have started as an occupational name, a locational name, or even a nickname. Specific meanings and origins of the name Dwiggins, however, are not clearly defined in available historical or etymological sources, making it hard to provide a definitive meaning. It is possible that over centuries the surname may have undergone various changes, masking its original meaning. The variations in spelling of this surname which have been found include Dawkins, Dawkin, Deaukins, Deakins, Deakynes and others. These changes in spelling often occurred even between father and son. It wasn't uncommon for a person to be born with one spelling, marry with another, and still another to appear on his headstone. Generally, researchers suggest names be looked at from a phonetic perspective rather than a spelling one.
Order DNA origin analysisDwiggins: Where does the name Dwiggins come from?
The surname Dwiggins is of English origin. It is derived from the personal name "Dwiggin", which is a diminutive form of the given name "Dwight". It is mostly found in the northern and midlands regions of England. The name signifies a person who is a beloved friend or family member.
Today, the last name Dwiggins is most common in the United States, especially in the states of North Carolina and Ohio. This is likely a result of English immigration to the U.S. during colonial times and in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The surname is not particularly common overall, but it is notably borne by several noteworthy individuals, such as type-designer William Addison Dwiggins. While the surname is not particularly common, individuals with this surname can be found in various countries across the globe due to the dispersion of families over time.
Variations of the surname Dwiggins
The surname Dwiggins originates from Old English and is likely of regional or topographic origin. The name is not very common and therefore does not have many variants or alternate spellings. Regardless, it could be seen occasionally with inconsistencies in spelling by historic record keepers, some variants could include Dwiggin, Dwigen, Dwigens, and Dwigin etc.
The surname may also be linked to the name Wiggins, a patronymic form of the personal name Wigg, which derives from the Germanic 'wig', meaning battle. Variations of the name Wiggins include Wiggin, Wiggon, and Wiggen.
It's also worth noting the possibility of variations in spelling due to phonetic transcription by non-English speakers or immigrants with the name who adjusted it to fit the language or spelling norms of their new homelands. This could result in variants such as Duiggins, Duigen, or Twigins.
However, tracing the exact origins and variations of such a rare surname can be difficult as documentation of these names and their variations can be patchy and inconsistent. Therefore, the variants mentioned here are hypothesized. It is possible that different branches of the Dwiggins family adapted and changed their surname over time, creating more variations than we currently know about.
Famous people with the name Dwiggins
- William Addison Dwiggins: An American type designer, calligrapher, and book designer. He coined the term "graphic design" and exemplified the elements.
- Jean Dwiggins: A contemporary author known for her mystery novels set in the fictitious town of Centerville.
- Clay Dwiggins: A character animator and storyboard artist who has worked on several films such as 'Shrek the Third', 'Madagascar', 'Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa'.
- Alice Dwiggins: A 20th-century author noted for her contributions to children's literature.
- Olive Dwiggins: A talented and prolific illustrator of the early twentieth century, especially known for her colored illustrations in children’s books.
- Orville Dwiggins: An accomplished historian and writer who has contributed to the conservation of American heritage.
- W.A Dwiggins: Known as a prominent puppeteer who pioneered modern puppet theatre in North America. Please note that some of these individuals may not be “famous” in a traditional sense, yet they have achieved recognition in their respective fields.