Diggins

The surname DIGGINS is believed to have originated in England, with the earliest recorded references dating back to the 12th century. It is thought to be a locational name, derived from the Old English word "dicing," which means a ditch or a trench.

In medieval times, DIGGINS may have referred to someone who lived near a ditch or a trench, or perhaps even worked in digging ditches or trenches. The name is found in various early records and documents from different parts of England, suggesting that it was not confined to a specific region.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Ralph de Diggenes, who was mentioned in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire in 1190. The Pipe Rolls were a series of financial records maintained by the English Exchequer, providing valuable insights into the names and occupations of individuals at the time.

Another early reference can be found in the Feet of Fines for Suffolk, a collection of legal documents from the 13th century. In 1275, a certain Robert Digon was recorded as a party in a land transaction, indicating that the name had already taken on various spellings.

The Domesday Book, the famous survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086, does not contain any direct mentions of the DIGGINS surname. However, it does record several place names that may have contributed to the development of the name, such as Diggington in Worcestershire and Ditchling in Sussex.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the DIGGINS surname. One such individual was Sir John Diggins (1592-1662), an English politician and landowner who served as a Member of Parliament for Tewkesbury during the English Civil War.

Another prominent bearer of the name was William Diggins (1723-1786), a British naval officer who distinguished himself during the American Revolutionary War and rose to the rank of Admiral of the Blue.

In the literary world, Mary Diggins (1888-1962) was an Irish writer and poet who gained recognition for her works depicting rural life in County Mayo.

John Diggins (1935-2009) was an American historian and author, best known for his influential book "The Lost Soul of American Politics: Virtue, Self-Interest, and the Foundations of Liberalism."

Finally, Skylar Diggins (born 1990) is a contemporary American professional basketball player who has represented the United States in international competitions and played in the WNBA for teams like the Tulsa Shock and the Dallas Wings.