Show ContentsFiggins History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Figgins Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Etymology of Figgins

What does the name Figgins mean?

The name Figgins is "a Norman-French form of the Old French word "ficheis" meaning "faithful." 1.

Early Origins of the Figgins family

The surname Figgins was first found in London, England where Thomas le Fykes, Fykeis was recorded in 1281. Later in Kent, the Assize Rolls listed William Fykays in 1317. 1

A scan through early Sussex records revealed John le Figge listed in the Subsidy Rolls of 1327 and later in London, Simon Figge was recorded in 1381. 1

In Ireland, the name "is found in English records as early as the thirteenth century. but does not appear to have been established in mediaeval Ireland. In this country it is of comparatively recent introduction being chiefly associated with Dublin, where it has been prominent in the publishing and bookselling business since 1809. Darrell Figges (1882-1925), the author who was active in the revolutionary movement from 1914, was born in Dublin." 2

Early History of the Figgins family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Figgins research. Another 162 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1102, 1139, 1234, 1273, 1391, 1429, 1455, 1487, 1510, 1533, 1600, 1645, 1660, 1695, 1719, 1730, 1734 and 1992 are included under the topic Early Figgins History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Figgins Spelling Variations

The 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. Figgins has been spelled many different ways, including Figg, Figgiss, Figgess, Figgins, Figgin, Figges, Figgess, Figgs, Fig, Fyge, Fygg, Fygge, Ficke, Feek and many more.

Early Notables of the Figgins family

James Figg (1695-1734), English bare-knuckle boxer, generally agreed first English bare-knuckle boxing champion, reigning from 1719 to 1730 or 1734, inducted into the International Boxing Hall...
Another 26 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Figgins Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Figgins family to Ireland

Some of the Figgins family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 38 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Figgins migration to the United States +

Thousands 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 Figginss to arrive in North America:

Figgins Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Mrs. E.A. Figgins, (b. 1863), aged 36, American returning from Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "Oceanic" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 13th September 1899 en route to New York, USA 3

Figgins migration to Australia +

Figgins Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Charles Figgins, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Cressy" in 1847 4
USS Indianapolis
  • Harley Dean Figgins, American crew member on board the ship "USS Indianapolis" when she was on a top secret trip for the first nuclear weapon, she was sunk by Japanese Navy on 30th July 1945, he was one of the many who were killed in the sinking due to exposure, dehydration, saltwater poisoning and shark attacks 5
  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. MacLysaght, Edward, Supplement to Irish Families. Baltimore: Genealogical Book Company, 1964. Print.
  3. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_ellis_island_1892_on.pdf
  4. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) CRESSY 1847. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1847Cressy.htm
  5. Final Crew List, retrieved 2021, October 30th Retrieved from https://www.ussindianapolis.com/final-crew

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