Surname Wigs - Meaning and Origin
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Wigs: What does the surname Wigs mean?
The surname Wigs does not have a specific, universally agreed upon meaning, as its origins are relatively unclear. Unlike many surnames, it is not evidently linked to a profession, location, or personal characteristic. One possibility is that the name is a variation of other similar British surnames such as Wiggs or Wicks. It could also possibly be derived from a diminutive form of the personal names "William" or "Wigand", prevalent in medieval times. Often, last names evolved due to regional pronunciations, so it's possible that Wigs evolved that way. Some experts also suggest a connection with wig-making, a valued profession in times when wigs were commonly worn. However, none of these explanations can be verified without specific historical evidence. Therefore, it is worth noting that the meaning of the last name 'Wigs' may vary greatly according to the context, including the geographical origin and particular family history.
Order DNA origin analysisWigs: Where does the name Wigs come from?
The last name Wigs is most commonly seen today in the United States and in parts of Europe, particularly Norway. It is likely an Americanized version of the Scandinavian name Vig (Vigstad, Vigberg, Vigand, Vigen etc). This name is believed to have derived from the Old Norse word vig, which translates to “war, fight, or battle.”
In the United States, the last name Wigs tends to be concentrated in parts of the Midwest, particularly Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota. According to the online surname database, there are currently over 2,500 individuals who have the last name Wigs living in the US.
In Europe, the last name Wigs is most commonly seen in Norway where it is thought to have originated. The name can also be found in Denmark, Southern Sweden, and Finland. However, the total number of people with this name is much less than those with the name Vig, suggesting that the name Wigs may be more North American than Scandinavian.
Given its North American and Scandinavian roots, the name Wigs is likely derived from Scandinavian immigrants who came to the United States in the 19th century looking for a better life. It is unknown how adopted the name and variation Vig to Wigs, though many believe that it was a form of Anglicization of the name.
Variations of the surname Wigs
The surname Wigs can be variated in various ways depending on the origin and nationality. A few examples include Wygge, Wyggs, Wiggs, Wigg, Wyge, Wigge, Wyg, Wygg, Wigges, Wiggen, and Wigger.
The German variations of the surname Wigs is commonly spelled Wigge. The Dutch variation is usually spelled "Wigges", while the English variant is usually spelled "Wiggs". It is also sometimes seen in Scotland as Wigg and in France it may be spelled "Wyge". In Sweden it can be seen as Wiggen.
The English surnames Wigg and Wiggs trace their roots from a personal name, the Old English pre 7th Century "Wig", a nickname for someone with a pointed headdress. In Scotland Wigg and Wiggs could also derive from the Gaelic personal name "Mac Aoidh", meaning "the son of Hugh". The Gaelic variation also appears as Coghe or Cogh.
In Germany, the surname originates from a personal name derived from the Old High German "wig" meaning battle, and is a variation of the personal name "Wigige". It may also originate from the Germanic element "wiga" meaning warrior.
Variations of this surname can also be found in other areas of the world such as Poland, Denmark and Norway where they are known as Wygge/Wyg, and in other parts of Germany where it may be known as Wyggs and Wigger.
Famous people with the name Wigs
- Guy Fieri: American restaurateur, author, TV personality and game show host.
- Arnold Wiggin: American character actor who appeared in a number of films and television series.
- Val Wiggin: American singer, guitarist and songwriter, best known for playing in the band Great White.
- Christopher Wiggin: A modern American playwright and screenwriter.
- Martin Wiggin: British actor and filmmaker who is known for roles in the films "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." and "The Eagle Has Landed".
- Robert Wiggin: British-American banker who founded the United States Corporation Company in 1865.
- Samuel Wiggin: American Revolutionary War patriot and politician from Massachusetts who served in the Continental Congress from 1777-1782.
- Leslie Wiggin: American author who wrote several books and articles on occultism in the early 20th century.
- Richard Wiggin: American photographer who was a major player in the development of the photo study technique.
- Hannah Wiggin: American journalist who was noted for her coverage of the US-Mexico border in the 1950s and 1960s.