Surname Bigelow - Meaning and Origin

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B. Bigelow

Bigelow: What does the surname Bigelow mean?

The surname Bigelow is of English origin, derived from the Old English terms "bigga" which means "big" and "hloh" which means "mound or barrow". So, it is usually interpreted to mean "big mound" or "big barrow." It is typically associated with a historical geographic location or topographic feature in England. It signifies that an ancestor likely lived near or had some significant connection to a large mound or hill. Like many surnames that originated from geographic features, Bigelow is a habitation name and became a way to identify individuals who hailed from the same location. The surname Bigelow is believed to be first found in Somerset where they held a family seat from early times. Despite the straightforwardness of its meaning, the name has a rich history and is linked with numerous notable individuals. The spelling variants for Bigelow could include Biglow, Baglow, and others.

Bigelow: Where does the name Bigelow come from?

The last name Bigelow is of English origin. It is believed to be derived from the Old English words "bigge," which means barley, and "hlawe," meaning hill. Therefore, it might have initially been used to describe someone who lived near a barley hill.

The name is first found in Cheshire, England and dates back to the Middle Ages. It underwent several spelling variations over centuries, such as Baguley, Baggiley, Baggaley, Baggaly, Baggeley, and Bagaley before settling as Bigelow.

Today, the name is most common in the United States, likely due to early English settlers. It might have spread to the U.S. in the 1600s with John Biglo, who was one of the first to migrate from England to America. After settling in Wethersfield, Connecticut, his descendants dispersed throughout the U.S., establishing the name Bigelow in American history.

Even though the Bigelow surname is still highly prevalent in England, it is more frequently found in the United States in states such as Utah, Massachusetts, and Maine due to the higher population size and the historical presence of the Bigelow family.

Variations of the surname Bigelow

The surname Bigelow is an English surname, which originated from the medieval personal name Bigod, which is understood to be a nickname that meant ‘big or sturdy god.’ Similar to many surnames arising from the British Isles, the name Bigelow has been spelled variably throughout history, often depending on the phonetics and dialect of the region it was recorded in.

Some of the most common spellings and variants of the surname Bigelow include Biglow, Biglo, Begelow, Biggelow, Bigelowe, Biglowe, Baglow, Bagelow, and Beglow. Another notable variant of the surname arises through the contraction of the name ‘Bigot’ to Baggot, Baggott, or Baggett.

Given the surname Bigelow’s alleged origin as the personal name Bigod, related surnames could include Bigod, Bigot, and their variants also. Yet, the evolution of surnames is complex and varied, and the exact relations and origins may not be possible to trace accurately. Therefore, while similarities in spelling and pronunciation exist between these names, their connection to Bigelow is not unquestionably affirmed.

Please note that, names and surnames can change and can be influenced by marriage, adoption, or personal choice throughout an individual's life.

Famous people with the name Bigelow

• Kathryn Bigelow: Known for being the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director, Kathryn Bigelow is an influential American filmmaker. She has directed many noted films like The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty.
• Henry Jacob Bigelow: An accomplished American surgeon in the 19th century, Henry J. Bigelow was known for pioneering several surgical procedures and making significant contributions to anesthesiology.
• Eliza Bigelow: A popular American poet of the 19th century whose works often centered around themes of death, love, and religion.
• Herbert S. Bigelow: An American clergyman and social reformer known for promoting liberal theological views and social gospel activism in the late 19th century.
• C. Hobert Edgren: Under the pen name Bud Bigelow, Edgren was a popular American science fiction author.
• Erastus Brigham Bigelow: A well-known American inventor recognized for his key innovations in weaving technology during the 19th century.
• John Bigelow: An American lawyer and statesman who served as the United States Ambassador to France during the Civil War.
• Poultney Bigelow: A noted American journalist and author of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Lucius Horatio Bigelow: A prominent American homeopathic physician in the 19th century.
• Abbott Augustus Bigelow: An American minister recognized for his efforts in the temperance movement.
• Tyler Bigelow: A professional American football player.
• Timothy Bigelow: A major figure in the American Revolution known for his role in the Massachusetts Provincial Congress.
• Julia Bigelow: An American painter known for her watercolor and oil paintings of landscapes and seascapes.

Other surnames

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