Biggin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Biggin

What does the name Biggin mean?

Biggin is a name of ancient Anglo-Saxon origin and comes from a family once having lived in Bikome, a town in the county of Somerset.

Early Origins of the Biggin family

The surname Biggin was first found in Somerset where Kirby's Quest listed the first two entries for the name: Walter de Bikome, Somerset, 1 Edward III and Godfrey de Bycorobe, Somerset, 1 Edward III. 1 In both cases, these poeple lived "1 Edward III," or in other words "during the first year of King Edward III's reign."

Early History of the Biggin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Biggin research. Another 77 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1350, 1743, 1747, 1758 and 1769 are included under the topic Early Biggin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Biggin Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries; therefore,spelling variations are common among early Anglo-Saxon names. As the form of the English language changed, even the spelling of literate people's names evolved. Biggin has been recorded under many different variations, including Bickham, Bickam, Bigham, Biggam, Bigholme, Bighone, Begholm, Beghome, Biggem and many more.

Early Notables of the Biggin family

George Bickham the Elder (d. 1769), writing-master and engraver, born about the end of the seventeenth century. "He was the most celebrated penman of his time, and published in 1743 a folio volume entitled 'The Universal Penman . . . exemplified in all the useful and ornamental branches of modern Penmanship." 2 His...
Another 52 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Biggin Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Biggin migration to Canada +

For many English families, the political and religious disarray that shrouded England made the far away New World an attractive prospect. On cramped disease-ridden ships, thousands migrated to those British colonies that would eventually become Canada and the United States. Those hardy settlers that survived the journey often went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations in which they landed. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Biggin or a variant listed above:

Biggin Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Thomas Biggin, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1774

Biggin migration to Australia +

Biggin Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Richard Biggin, aged 36, who arrived in South Australia in 1853 aboard the ship "Shackamaxon" 3
Sarah Biggin, aged 15, a nursemaid, who arrived in South Australia in 1853 aboard the ship "Shackamaxon" 3
Jane Biggin, aged 16, a nursemaid, who arrived in South Australia in 1853 aboard the ship "Shackamaxon" 3
Dinah Biggin, aged 22, a servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "John Banks" 4

Contemporary Notables of the name Biggin (post 1700) +

Dan Biggin (b. 1980), known as Danny B, Chilean musician

Sources +

Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
South Australian Register Thursday 20 January 1853. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) SHACKAMAXON 1853. Retrieved http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/australia/shackamaxon1853.shtml
South Australian Register Wednesday 30th May 1855. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) John Banks 1855. Retrieved http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/australia/johnbanks1855.shtml