History and Significance of the Surname Digges

The History of the Digges Surname

The surname Digges is of English origin and is believed to have originated from the medieval given name Digg. The name Digg is derived from the Old Norse word "digr," which means "thick" or "fat." Therefore, the surname Digges likely started as a nickname for someone who was stout or robust.

Early Origins of the Digges Surname

The Digges surname can be traced back to early medieval times in England. The first recorded instance of the surname Digges is found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where a man named Dic is listed as a landowner in Essex. Over the centuries, the surname Digges spread throughout England and the British Isles, with notable concentrations in areas such as Kent, Sussex, and Yorkshire.

Migrations of the Digges Surname

As British colonization spread to other parts of the world, so too did the Digges surname. Records show that individuals with the surname Digges emigrated to countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, and South Africa. The surname also has a presence in countries such as India, Indonesia, and Russia, though to a lesser extent.

In the United States, the Digges surname is most commonly found in the state of Virginia, which is not surprising given the early English settlements in the region. Other states with significant Digges populations include Maryland, Georgia, and California. The Digges surname has also been recorded in countries as far away as Uganda, Zimbabwe, and South Korea.

Notable Individuals with the Digges Surname

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the Digges surname. One such person is Sir Dudley Digges (1583-1639), an English diplomat and politician who served as a Member of Parliament and was instrumental in promoting English interests in the New World. Another prominent figure with the Digges surname is Thomas Digges (1546-1595), an English mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the fields of geometry and cartography.

In more recent times, individuals such as John Digges Gardiner (1878-1954), an American naval officer and Medal of Honor recipient, have brought honor to the Digges name. Additionally, there are many individuals with the surname Digges who have made valuable contributions to various fields, including science, literature, and the arts.

Frequency of the Digges Surname

According to data from various sources, the Digges surname is most commonly found in the United States, with a frequency of 635 incidences. In the United Kingdom, the surname is less common, with 82 incidences in England and 9 incidences in Scotland. Other countries where the Digges surname is present include Australia (33), South Africa (5), and India (5).

Overall, the Digges surname has a relatively low frequency compared to some other surnames, with only a handful of occurrences in countries such as Italy, Russia, and Singapore. However, the surname has a rich history and continues to be carried by individuals around the world who take pride in their heritage.