Surname Biggam - Meaning and Origin
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Biggam: What does the surname Biggam mean?
The surname Biggam is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It comes from the Old English words "byrgen" and "ham", which together mean “homestead by a fortified enclosure.” This likely referred to someone who lived near a fortified house or village. It may also have been used as a nickname for a person who lived near a large river, as the word "biggam" can also mean “large river meadow.”
The Biggam surname originated in England, and was first found in Nottinghamshire, where they held a family seat from very early times. The surname has spread widely, both in England and beyond. It is common mainly in Scotland, but can also be found in North America, Australia, and elsewhere.
Recent research has revealed that the family name Biggam appears quite frequently in the records of the early Medieval period. An example of an early mention of this surname is found in the "Documents Relating to the Danelaw," which dates from 1140 - 1180. Here, a “Robertus Bigam” is recorded as living in Lincolnshire.
Today, the Biggam family name continues to be associated with qualities of family, strength, determination, and leadership. For those who bear the Biggam name, it is a reminder of their family’s background and a source of pride in their past heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisBiggam: Where does the name Biggam come from?
The last name Biggam is most commonly found in modern times in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Indeed, a recent study has placed it among the top 500 surnames in both countries. It is thought to have originated as an occupational name in the 1200s and 1300s.
Its etymology is derived from old French and can be translated literally to mean ‘of the big game’. It seems that the name was given to medieval hunters who specialized in large animals such as deer, boar and even wolves.
In the present day, the spelling of the name has evolved in different ways and can often be found as Bigam, Bigum or Biggum. This can lead to confusion over the original spelling particularly as the last name is also found as Bigam, Biggame and Biggams in England, Scotland and Wales.
Outside of the United Kingdom and Ireland, the Biggam name is quite rare, though it can be found in Canada and the USA. It is thought that the name spread to the former country via British immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries, and the latter from the early colonial period. Additionally, the last name may be found in parts of continental Europe, though this is less frequent.
Variations of the surname Biggam
The surname Biggam is of Anglo-Saxon origin and derives from the personal name Bigge or Bick. Variations of this surname include Bigg, Bigge, Biggs, Biggum, Biggams, Bigams, and Bickham. The name is also found in many other variants from different lands and languages, including Begg, Bes, Bec, le Beche (French), Beck (German), Biega (Polish), and Becce (Italian).Bigga and Biggar are common variations in Scotland.
The form of the surname as used in the UK and Ireland today, Biggam, appears to be chiefly Scottish and derives from Bigga, a diminutive of the personal name Bigge, which was also used as a Scottish place name for the farm of Biggar in Lanarkshire.
In America, variants can be found under the spelling Bigam, Biggam and Bigam. These forms are commonly found in New England and in states such as Minnesota, Illinois and Missouri, whereas in the Midwest a spelling of Bigum or Bigam is more frequent.
The surname Biggam is also found in Canada. It is found in the regions of Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa and the Maritime provinces.
In Australia, the surname Biggam is found mainly in the states of Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales.
In modern times, the surname Biggam continues to be used by people of all social backgrounds, both as a surname and given name. It is also likely to take on further variations in spelling and pronunciation depending on the country and language of its use.
Famous people with the name Biggam
- Lou Biggam: Lou is an American Motivational Speaker and Entrepreneur who has built an inspiring personal brand on the pillars of self-love, mental health, and pushing boundaries.
- Brad Biggam: Brad is a technology entrepreneur and former Microsoft executive. He is the co-founder and CEO of the Knowledge Vault, a platform to make search and discovery easier.
- Seth Biggam: Seth is an acclaimed yoga instructor and wellness advocate from Los Angeles, California. He has been featured in publications such as Shape Magazine and Yoga Journal for his expertise on spirituality, meditation, and mindfulness.
- Jenna Biggam: Jenna is a musician and travel blogger based in New York City. She is the founder of Wanderlust, an iconic travel site that aims to inspire people to take on new and exciting adventures.
- Evan Biggam: Evan is a noted sports journalist and author of several best-sellers. He is a regular contributor to ESPN and Yahoo Sports, providing expert analysis on all the latest news and trends in the sports world.
- Kellyn Biggam: Kellyn is a model and actress known for her roles in the films Big Brother and The Hangover IV. She has appeared in magazines such as Vogue and Elle and regularly attends major red-carpet events.