Show ContentsFiggis History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

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

Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Etymology of Figgis

What does the name Figgis mean?

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

Early Origins of the Figgis family

The surname Figgis 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 Figgis family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Figgis 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 Figgis History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Figgis Spelling Variations

Only recently has spelling become standardized in the English language. As the English language evolved in the Middle Ages, the spelling of names changed also. The name Figgis has undergone many spelling variations, including Figg, Figgiss, Figgess, Figgins, Figgin, Figges, Figgess, Figgs, Fig, Fyge, Fygg, Fygge, Ficke, Feek and many more.

Early Notables of the Figgis 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 Figgis Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Figgis family to Ireland

Some of the Figgis 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.

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Figgis Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • W Figgis, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1841 aboard the ship Mandarin
  • William Figgis, who arrived in Port Nicholson aboard the ship "Mandarin" in 1841
  • Fred W. Figgis, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Dunedin" in 1875 3

Contemporary Notables of the name Figgis (post 1700) +

  • John Neville Figgis (1866-1919), English historian, monk and philosopher
  • T. P. Figgis (1858-1948), British architect
  • Mike Figgis (b. 1948), British two-time Academy Award nominated film director, writer, and composer
  • Jonathan Figgis, Irish film director and producer
  • Jason Figgis, Irish film director, born in Ranelagh, Dublin
  • Genieve Figgis (b. 1972), Irish painter
  • Darrell Figgis (1882-1925), Irish writer and politician, Sinn Féin activist and independent parliamentarian
  • Anthony Figgis (b. 1940), British politician, Her Majesty's Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps (2001-2008)
  • Susie Figgis (1948-2025), British casting director, known for her work on Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, The Full Monty, and The Killing Fields
  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. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 9th November 2011). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html

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