NameCensus.

UK surname

Figgins

An English surname derived from a medieval nickname for a plump or cheerful person.

In the 1881 census there were 271 people recorded with the Figgins surname, ranking it #10,449 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 313, ranked #14,318, down from #10,449 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Fareham, South Stoneham and London parishes. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Bolton, Havant and New Forest.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Figgins is 365 in 1999. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 15.5%.

1881 census count

271

Ranked #10,449

Modern count

313

2016, ranked #14,318

Peak year

1999

365 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Figgins had 271 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #10,449 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 313 in 2016, ranked #14,318.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 333 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ageing Communities.

Figgins surname distribution map

The map shows where the Figgins surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Figgins surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Figgins over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 207 #10,148
1861 historical 162 #14,310
1881 historical 271 #10,449
1891 historical 304 #11,005
1901 historical 323 #11,065
1911 historical 333 #10,624
1997 modern 355 #12,040
1998 modern 364 #12,201
1999 modern 365 #12,245
2000 modern 351 #12,534
2001 modern 340 #12,620
2002 modern 335 #13,020
2003 modern 315 #13,384
2004 modern 315 #13,450
2005 modern 305 #13,689
2006 modern 320 #13,289
2007 modern 324 #13,322
2008 modern 325 #13,406
2009 modern 321 #13,770
2010 modern 324 #13,979
2011 modern 313 #14,200
2012 modern 296 #14,635
2013 modern 310 #14,403
2014 modern 313 #14,406
2015 modern 310 #14,402
2016 modern 313 #14,318

Geography

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Where Figgins' are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Fareham, South Stoneham, London parishes, Portsmouth, Portsea and Devizes St Mary the Virgin. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Bolton, Havant, New Forest and Swansea. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 Fareham Hampshire
2 South Stoneham Hampshire
3 London parishes London 3
4 Portsmouth, Portsea Hampshire
5 Devizes St Mary the Virgin Wiltshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Bolton 025 Bolton
2 Havant 009 Havant
3 Havant 010 Havant
4 New Forest 019 New Forest
5 Swansea 002 Swansea

Forenames

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First names often paired with Figgins

These lists show first names that appear often with the Figgins surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Figgins

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Figgins, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities

Group

Ageing Communities

Nationally, the Figgins surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ageing Communities, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Figgins household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Many residents are of normal retirement age or above and live in communal establishments, and there are few dependent children. The dominant property type is a mix of retirement flats and detached houses. Those in work are likely to be employed in managerial and professional occupations, and many residents are educated to degree level. Levels of owner occupation are high, but the private rental sector is also present. Rural locations predominate.

Wider pattern

Pervasive throughout the UK, members of this Supergroup typically own (or are buying) their detached, semi-detached or terraced homes. They are also typically educated to A Level/Highers or degree level and work in skilled or professional occupations. Typically born in the UK, some families have children, although the median adult age is above 45 and some property has become under-occupied after children have left home. This Supergroup is pervasive not only in suburban locations, but also in neighbourhoods at or beyond the edge of cities that adjoin rural parts of the country.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs

Within London, Figgins is most associated with areas classed as Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs, part of Young Families and Mainstream Employment. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Mainly concentrated in suburban areas, these terraced and semi-detached developments are less overcrowded than the Supergroup average, and resident households are more likely to own two or more cars. There are fewer residents aged 25-44, and a larger share of residents employed in administrative and secretarial occupations. Residents are more likely to have been born in the UK, less likely to have been born in the EU or Africa, and much less likely to self-identify as Bangladeshi.

Wider London pattern

Many families in these neighbourhoods have young children. Housing is principally in the social rented sector, in terraced or semi-detached units. While over-all residential densities are low, overcrowding is also prevalent locally. Residents are drawn from a range of ethnic minorities, with many identifying as Black and above average numbers born in Africa. Numbers identifying as of Chinese, Indian or White ethnicity are below average. Levels of proficiency in English are below average. Levels of separation or divorce and incidence of disability are both above average. Education is typically limited to Level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. Few residents work in professional or managerial occupations but the employment structure is otherwise diverse: it includes skilled trades, caring, leisure and other service occupations, sales and customer service occupations, construction, and work as process, plant, and machine operatives.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Figgins is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Figgins falls in decile 2 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

2
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Figgins is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of Over 70 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

10
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Figgins, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Figgins

The surname Figgins is of English origin, derived from the medieval given name Fyggyn, which was a diminutive form of the name Fyge. This name ultimately stems from the Old English word "fic" or "figa," meaning "fig."

Figgins first appeared in the 13th century in various parts of England, particularly in counties like Cheshire, Lancashire, and Staffordshire. Historical records indicate that the name was sometimes spelled as Figgings, Figgins, or Fyggins during this era.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Figgins surname can be found in the Hundred Rolls of Bedfordshire, a census-like record from 1273, where a certain John Figgyn is mentioned. Additionally, the Subsidy Rolls of Staffordshire from 1327 list a Thomas Fyggyns.

In the 14th century, the Figgins surname appeared in several manorial records and tax rolls across various English counties. For example, the Court Rolls of the Manor of Wakefield in Yorkshire from 1379 mention a Willelmus Fyggyns.

A notable early bearer of the Figgins surname was John Figgins, who was born in Staffordshire around 1520. He was a prominent landowner and served as a Justice of the Peace during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Another historical figure with the Figgins surname was Robert Figgins, born in Lancashire in 1612. He was a renowned mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the study of celestial mechanics.

In the 17th century, the Figgins surname can be found in various parish records and court documents throughout England. For instance, the parish registers of St. Mary's Church in Lichfield, Staffordshire, record the baptism of a Thomas Figgins in 1635.

One of the most notable Figgins in history was Vincent Figgins, born in Oxfordshire in 1766. He was a pioneering horticulturist and botanist who introduced several new plant species to England and authored numerous works on gardening and agriculture.

In the 19th century, the Figgins surname was particularly prevalent in the Midlands and Northern regions of England. One famous bearer of the name during this period was Samuel Figgins, a celebrated artist born in Manchester in 1819, known for his landscapes and portraits.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Figgins families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Figgins surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Hampshire leads with 106 Figgins' recorded in 1881 and an index of 19.49x.

County Total Index
Hampshire 106 19.49x
Middlesex 44 1.66x
Surrey 38 2.94x
Cheshire 15 2.56x
Wiltshire 12 5.11x
Staffordshire 9 1.00x
Lancashire 8 0.25x
Sussex 8 1.79x
Essex 6 1.15x
Dorset 4 2.30x
Midlothian 3 0.84x
Renfrewshire 3 1.46x
Lanarkshire 2 0.23x
Merionethshire 2 4.12x
Royal Navy 2 6.33x
Worcestershire 2 0.58x
Yorkshire 2 0.08x
Devon 1 0.18x
Herefordshire 1 0.92x
Kent 1 0.11x
Northumberland 1 0.25x
Somerset 1 0.23x
Warwickshire 1 0.15x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Portsea in Hampshire leads with 35 Figgins' recorded in 1881 and an index of 32.84x.

Place Total Index
Portsea 35 32.84x
Boldre 12 615.38x
Battersea 10 10.24x
Monks Coppenhall 10 45.25x
Andover 9 175.10x
Bermondsey 9 11.39x
Fareham 9 137.61x
Smallthorne 9 271.08x
Stoke 9 147.54x
St Luke London 8 18.80x
Willesden 8 31.99x
Devizes St Mary 7 295.36x
Fulham London 7 18.19x
Islington London 7 2.72x
Southampton All Sts 7 75.03x
Lambeth 6 2.59x
Nursling 6 689.66x
South Stoneham 6 50.85x
West Ham 6 5.19x
Keymer 5 158.23x
Rowde 5 462.96x
Sutton In Macclesfield 5 82.24x
Abbotsbury 4 449.44x
Bishops Waltham 3 132.16x
Kensington London 3 2.03x
Milton 3 222.22x
Monk Sherborne 3 697.67x
Odiham 3 125.52x
St Pancras London 3 1.40x
Abbey 2 6.38x
Edinburgh Buccleuch 2 23.78x
Hackney London 2 1.34x
Hulme 2 3.04x
Kings Norton 2 6.44x
Llanycil 2 76.63x
Millbrook 2 14.60x
Openshaw 2 13.57x
Portsmouth 2 15.97x
Royal Navy 2 7.40x
Salford 2 2.16x
Alverstoke 1 5.08x
Aston 1 0.54x
Berwick Upon Tweed 1 11.96x
Bradford 1 6.78x
Brighton 1 1.11x
Brightside Bierlow 1 1.94x
Caterham 1 17.51x
Chelsea London 1 1.25x
Chichester St 1 333.33x
Clerkenwell London 1 1.60x
Danby 1 94.34x
Dartmouth Townstall 1 44.44x
Edinburgh Canongate 1 11.05x
Eling 1 18.15x
Farnborough 1 17.51x
Glasgow 1 0.66x
Glastonbury 1 28.65x
Govan 1 0.47x
Hastings St Mary 1 8.98x
Holmer 1 51.02x
Kingston On Thames 1 3.22x
Mile End Old Town London 1 1.77x
Moss Side 1 6.04x
Newington 1 1.02x
Paisley Middle Church 1 8.35x
Ryde 1 8.56x
Southampton St Mary 1 2.92x
St Marylebone London 1 0.71x
St Sepulchre London 1 25.77x
Tonbridge 1 3.06x
Wandsworth 1 3.92x
Westminster St Margaret 1 7.81x
Whippingham 1 24.27x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Figgins surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Figgins surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
George 15
John 14
Thomas 11
William 10
Albert 6
Henry 6
James 6
Joseph 5
Alfred 4
Charles 4
Richard 4
Walter 3
Ephraim 2
Ernest 2
Frank 2
Peter 2
Vincent 2
Wm. 2
Abel 1
Arthur 1
Bertram 1
Chas. 1
Crisp 1
Daniel 1
Duncan 1
Ebenezer 1
Edgar 1
Edwin 1
Frances 1
Francis 1
Frederick 1
Fredrick 1
Harry 1
Heanen 1
Herbert 1
Isaac 1
Jas.F. 1
Jeremiah 1
Julia 1
Mathew 1
Robb.H.C. 1
Robert 1
Rubin 1
Tom 1

FAQ

Figgins surname: questions and answers

How common was the Figgins surname in 1881?

In 1881, 271 people were recorded with the Figgins surname. That placed it at #10,449 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Figgins surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 313 in 2016. That gives Figgins a modern rank of #14,318.

What does the Figgins surname mean?

An English surname derived from a medieval nickname for a plump or cheerful person.

What does the Figgins map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Figgins bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.