Surname Nigh - Meaning and Origin
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Nigh: What does the surname Nigh mean?
The surname "Nigh" is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is believed to be locational, derived from places named "Nythe" in Sussex (subsequently known as "Knight’s") or "Nigh" in Gloucestershire. The term "Nigh" is also believed to have been used to describe someone living near or at a place significant to them. In Old English, "Nigh" means "near" or "at", so the surname could have also been assigned metaphorically to individuals living nearby, perhaps a village's outskirts or a remarkable landmark. Since surnames were often developed based on one's occupation, geographical location, or father's name, it's safe to assume that "Nigh" was possibly given to those residing close to an important area. It's essential to note that surname origins can be complex and multifaceted due to language variations and societal changes throughout history.
Order DNA origin analysisNigh: Where does the name Nigh come from?
The last name Nigh is derived from an Old Norse personal name "Hnaégr" meaning "brave one". This name is still native to numerous countries in Northern Europe including Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and the United Kingdom.
Today, the last name Nigh is most commonly found in the United States, specifically on the East coast and Midwest, with the highest concentrations of residents living in the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The population with the last name Nigh nationwide is estimated to be approximately 8,000 people with a strong presence in larger cities such as New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago.
In addition to its presence in the United States, the last name Nigh can be found throughout Europe with a localized concentration in Norway. This is attributed to ancestral families migrating to the United States and Canada in the 19th century.
The surname is also popular in Australia, with a higher concentration of the name in Victoria and South Australia than other areas of the country.
The origin of the last name Nigh can be found in several countries and the surname is still prominent today. It is primarily found throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia, with the greatest concentration of people with the same last name located in the eastern and Midwestern states of the United States.
Variations of the surname Nigh
The surname Nigh is of Irish origin, and it has a number of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. In Irish spelling it is Ó Néidhigh, which is the most common form of spelling. The variants in this spellings are also Ó Neidigh, Ó Naydigh, Ó Neidhille, Ó Nihille, and Ó Neithe.
In English skiels the surname is usually spelled as Nigh or Nygh. Variants in this spellings includes Neygh, Neyghe, Neigh, Negh, Niygh, and Niegh. The anglicized spelling of this surname was often changed when the family emigrated to other countries, which means that there is a wide range of variants that are used across the world.
Several surnames of the same origin can also be derived from the surname Nigh. These include the unique Irish surnames Neidigh, Naidigh, and the anglicized Nees. The Scottish surname McGinty is also of the same origin due to the constant intermarriages between Irish and Scottish families over the centuries.
Other surnames of the same origin have also been formed over time. Examples include Needham, Nightingale, Knighthood, Mc Knight, Higham, Mc Hight, and Highlen.
In conclusion, the surname Nigh has a number of different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include Irish Ó Néidhigh, English Nigh or Nygh, Neidigh, Naidigh, Nees, Needham, Nightingale, Knighthood, Mc Knight, Higham, Mc Hight, and Highlen.
Famous people with the name Nigh
- John Nigh: American entertainment executive and producer.
- Bob Nigh: American football player.
- Gene Nigh: American actor.
- Katherine Nigh: American author and activist.
- Bradley Nigh: American film and television actor.
- Larry Nigh: American professional football player and coach.
- Jon Nigh: American professional actor.
- Melissa Nigh: American singer and composer.
- Dave Nigh: American professional basketball player.
- Elizabeth Nigh: American actress.
- Jake Nigh: American professional boxer.
- Jack Nigh: American actor and singer.
- Shane Nigh: American former professional football player.
- Chris Nigh: American former professional baseball player.
- Edwin Nigh: American artist and musician.