Biggar Surname
The History of the Biggar Surname
The surname Biggar has a long and rich history that spans across different countries and cultures. It is believed to have originated from the Scottish region of Lanarkshire, specifically from the town of Biggar. The name is thought to be derived from the Gaelic words "big" meaning 'small' and "gar" meaning 'rough' or 'winding', suggesting that it may have originally described someone who lived in a small, rugged or winding place.
Throughout the centuries, the Biggar surname has spread to various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, South Africa, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales, Germany, Iran, Italy, Angola, China, Denmark, Algeria, Spain, Greece, Israel, India, Jersey, Luxembourg, Mexico, Philippines, and Saudi Arabia. Each of these countries has a certain number of individuals bearing the surname Biggar, with the highest incidences found in the United States, Canada, and South Africa.
Origins and Meaning
The origin of surnames, including Biggar, can be traced back to the Middle Ages when they were first used to distinguish between individuals with similar first names. Surnames were often based on a person's occupation, location, physical attributes, or even their parentage. In the case of the Biggar surname, it likely referred to someone who lived in or near the town of Biggar and may have had characteristics associated with smallness, roughness, or winding paths.
Over time, surnames like Biggar became hereditary, passed down from one generation to the next. This led to the establishment of family lines and the creation of unique identities for different kin groups. The surname Biggar, therefore, is not just a label but a symbol of familial connection and heritage.
Migration and Settlement
As people with the surname Biggar migrated to different parts of the world, they brought their family name with them, carrying on the legacy of their ancestors. This spread of the Biggar surname can be seen in the number of individuals bearing the name in countries like the United States, Canada, and South Africa, where many Scots and Scottish descendants settled in the past.
In the United States, for example, the incidence of the Biggar surname is relatively high, with 1312 individuals bearing the name. This is a testament to the Scottish influence on American society and the lasting impact of Scottish immigration to the New World. Similarly, in Canada, where there are 1019 individuals with the surname Biggar, Scottish settlers played a significant role in shaping Canadian history and culture.
In South Africa, the Biggar surname is also present, with 401 individuals carrying the name. The legacy of Scottish immigration to South Africa can be seen in place names, cultural traditions, and surnames like Biggar that have become part of the country's diverse heritage.
Famous Biggars
Throughout history, individuals with the surname Biggar have made significant contributions to various fields, including politics, academia, and the arts. One notable figure is Andrew Biggar (1754–1827), a British naval officer who served in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. Biggar was known for his bravery and leadership in battle, earning him acclaim both in Britain and abroad.
In the United States, William Biggar (1848–1900) was a prominent lawyer and politician who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania. Biggar was known for his eloquence and advocacy for social reform, particularly in the areas of labor rights and civil liberties.
In Canada, Anna Biggar (1860–1936) was a pioneering educator and suffragist who fought for women's rights and access to education. Biggar was instrumental in the establishment of women's colleges and vocational schools in Canada, paving the way for future generations of female leaders.
Conclusion
The Biggar surname has a diverse and storied history that reflects the global movements of people and cultures over time. From its origins in Scotland to its spread to countries around the world, the Biggar name has become a symbol of familial connection, heritage, and identity. Individuals bearing the surname Biggar have made significant contributions to society, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to resonate today.
The surname Biggar in the world
Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it is possible to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The exact same happens when it comes to Biggar, which as you can corroborate, it may be stated that it's a surname that can be present in all of the nations regarding the world. In the same way you can find countries by which truly the density of men and women aided by the surname Biggar is higher than far away.
The map for the Biggar surname
The possibility of examining for a world map about which countries hold more Biggar in the world, assists us a great deal. By placing ourselves in the map, on a concrete nation, we can see the concrete amount of people aided by the surname Biggar, to acquire this way the precise information of the many Biggar as you are able to currently get in that nation. All of this additionally helps us to comprehend not only where the surname Biggar originates from, but also in what way individuals that are originally part of the household that bears the surname Biggar have relocated and relocated. Just as, it is possible to see in which places they have settled and developed, and that's why if Biggar is our surname, it appears interesting to which other countries associated with world it will be possible any particular one of our ancestors once relocated to.
Countries with more Biggar in the world
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United States (1312)
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Canada (1019)
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South Africa (401)
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England (376)
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Scotland (306)
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Australia (166)
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New Zealand (95)
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Ireland (41)
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Nothern Ireland (14)
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Wales (9)
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Germany (7)
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Iran (2)
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Italy (2)
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Angola (1)
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China (1)
