| ![Show Contents]() Riggi History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The name Riggi is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived in Cumberland and Lancashire. This local name was derived from the local at the ridge or near a ridge. There are a variety of types of local surnames, some of which include: topographic surnames, which could be given to a person who lived beside any physical feature, such as a hill, stream, church or type of tree. Habitation names form the other broad category of surnames that were derived from place-names. They were derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads. Other local names are derived from the names of houses, manors, estates, regions, and entire counties. The surname Riggi comes from the Old English word rigge, or the Old English word hrycg, both of which mean ridge. 1 2 Early Origins of the Riggi familyThe surname Riggi was first found in Shropshire where William de Rigge was listed in the Pipe Rolls of 1197-1198. Later and further to the north, John del Rigg was recorded in the Subsidy Rolls for 1332 in Cumberland. 3 Early History of the Riggi familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Riggi research. Another 148 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1410, 1567, 1591, 1601, 1602, 1612, 1613, 1635 and 1705 are included under the topic Early Riggi History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Riggi Spelling VariationsThe first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Riggi has been spelled many different ways, including Rigge, Rigg, Riggs and others. Early Notables of the Riggi familyDistinguished members of the family include Robert Rigge, Rygge or Rugge (died 1410), English Chancellor of the University of Oxford, a native of Devonshire, and possibly a relative of Thomas de Bitton, bishop of Exeter. 4Ambrose Rigg or Rigge (1635-1705), was an English Quaker, born at Brampton in Westmorland. He and his companion Thomas Robertson went to Rochester...
Another 58 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Riggi Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the Riggi family to Ireland
Some of the Riggi family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Riggi familyThousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Riggis to arrive in North America: William Rigg, who settled in New Jersey in 1685; along with Eupham; John and Thomas Rigges settled in Virginia in 1663; Richard Riggs settled in Virginia in 1637.
| Contemporary Notables of the name Riggi (post 1700) | + |
- Giovanni "John the Eagle" Riggi (1925-2015), American mobster and member of the DeCavalcante crime family, inspiration for The Sopranos
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Dum vivo cano
Motto Translation: While alive celebrate.
- Arthur, William , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. London: 1857. Print
- Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
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England
Ireland
