Pigney Surname

The Origins of the Surname Pigney

The surname Pigney has a long and interesting history, with roots in several different countries around the world. It is believed to have originated from the Old English word "pigne," which means a young swine or piglet. This suggests that the surname may have originally been a nickname for someone who worked as a pig farmer or who had some connection to pigs.

In England, the surname Pigney is most commonly found in the county of Norfolk, where it has been recorded since at least the 16th century. The Pigneys of Norfolk were a prominent family, with members holding positions of power and influence in local government and the church. It is likely that they derived their surname from their association with pig farming or the pork industry.

The Spread of the Pigney Surname

Over time, the Pigney surname spread to other parts of the world, particularly to the United States, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, and South Africa. In the United States, the surname is most commonly found in the southern states, where many English immigrants settled in the early colonial period. Today, there are still many Pigneys living in the US, particularly in the states of Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia.

In France, the Pigney surname is found primarily in the northern regions of the country, particularly in Normandy and Brittany. It is believed that the surname was brought to France by English immigrants or by French Huguenots who had adopted the name during their time in England.

In the Netherlands, Sweden, and South Africa, the Pigney surname is much less common, with only a small number of individuals bearing the name. However, the presence of the surname in these countries is a testament to the global reach of the Pigney family and their connections to various parts of the world.

Notable Pigney Families Through History

One of the most famous Pigney families in history is the Pigney family of Norfolk, England. Members of this family were influential landowners and politicians, with several notable figures serving in the British Parliament and holding positions of power within the church.

Another notable Pigney family is the Pigney family of Virginia, USA. This family played a key role in the early colonization of America and were prominent figures in the development of the southern states. Many Pigneys in America can trace their ancestry back to this pioneering family.

The Modern Pigney Family

Today, the Pigney surname is much less common than it once was, with many branches of the family dying out or changing their name over the years. However, there are still Pigneys living in Norfolk, America, France, and other parts of the world, who proudly bear the name and continue to uphold the traditions of their ancestors.

Whether you are a Pigney by birth or by marriage, the history of the surname is a rich and fascinating one, with connections to many different countries and cultures. By learning about the origins of the Pigney family and the journey of the name through history, we can gain a deeper understanding of our own roots and heritage.

The surname Pigney within the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Equivalent happens in the case of Pigney, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said it is a surname that may be found in a lot of the countries associated with globe. In the same way there are nations in which certainly the thickness of men and women because of the surname Pigney is higher than in other countries.

The map of the Pigney surname

1. England (173)
2. United States (65)
3. France (27)
4. Netherlands (6)
5. Sweden (6)
6. South Africa (1)