NameCensus.

UK surname

Wiggins

Derived from the Old English given name Wicga, with the addition of the patronymic suffix -ing and the genitive ending -s.

In the 1881 census there were 3,235 people recorded with the Wiggins surname, ranking it #1,397 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 4,768, ranked #1,425, down from #1,397 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to London parishes, Shipton-under-Wychwood and Lambeth. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Tewkesbury, Allerdale and Rochford.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Wiggins is 5,277 in 1999. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 47.4%.

1881 census count

3,235

Ranked #1,397

Modern count

4,768

2016, ranked #1,425

Peak year

1999

5,277 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Wiggins had 3,235 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #1,397 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 4,768 in 2016, ranked #1,425.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 4,775 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Wiggins surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Wiggins surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Wiggins 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 1,934 #1,500
1861 historical 1,977 #1,474
1881 historical 3,235 #1,397
1891 historical 3,742 #1,280
1901 historical 4,539 #1,255
1911 historical 4,775 #1,085
1997 modern 4,774 #1,373
1998 modern 5,226 #1,298
1999 modern 5,277 #1,294
2000 modern 5,154 #1,316
2001 modern 4,998 #1,329
2002 modern 5,029 #1,345
2003 modern 4,909 #1,346
2004 modern 4,912 #1,345
2005 modern 4,850 #1,343
2006 modern 4,816 #1,353
2007 modern 4,850 #1,363
2008 modern 4,858 #1,365
2009 modern 4,960 #1,369
2010 modern 5,037 #1,382
2011 modern 4,964 #1,381
2012 modern 4,847 #1,385
2013 modern 4,898 #1,402
2014 modern 4,926 #1,394
2015 modern 4,829 #1,407
2016 modern 4,768 #1,425

Geography

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Where Wiggins' are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around London parishes, Shipton-under-Wychwood, Lambeth and St Mary Islington. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Tewkesbury, Allerdale, Rochford and Oxford. 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 London parishes London 1
2 London parishes London 3
3 Shipton-under-Wychwood Oxfordshire
4 Lambeth London (South Districts)
5 St Mary Islington London (North Districts)

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Tewkesbury 001 Tewkesbury
2 Tewkesbury 002 Tewkesbury
3 Allerdale 001 Allerdale
4 Rochford 010 Rochford
5 Oxford 013 Oxford

Forenames

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First names often paired with Wiggins

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Wiggins

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Wiggins, 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

Rural Amenity

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

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group comprises older parents or retirees, with no resident dependent children, and with the lowest residential densities in this Supergroup. Predominantly UK-born, residents typically live in detached houses, although others do live in semi-detached and terraced properties. The level of multiple car ownership is the highest in this Supergroup. Most houses are owner occupied although social renting is also present. Many concentrations occur in high amenity rural locations, such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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, Wiggins 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

Wiggins is most concentrated in decile 8 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.

8
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Wiggins falls in decile 9 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the less deprived end of the index.

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

9
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Wiggins is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

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

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Wiggins

The surname Wiggins has its origins in England, dating back to the 12th century. It is believed to be derived from the Old English word "wigg," meaning a meadow, or "wic," meaning a dwelling or dairy farm. This suggests that the name may have originally referred to someone who lived near a meadow or a dairy farm.

The earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in various historical records, such as the Pipe Rolls of Lincolnshire from 1176, where it appears as "Wigingis." The Hundred Rolls of 1273 also mention a "Richard Wyging" from Oxfordshire. Over time, the name evolved into its modern spelling of "Wiggins."

One of the earliest notable individuals with the surname Wiggins was Sir William Wiggins (c. 1538-1608), an English merchant and Member of Parliament for Ipswich. He was involved in the cloth trade and played a significant role in the development of Ipswich.

Another prominent figure was Captain Thomas Wiggins (c. 1590-1668), an English sea captain and adventurer who is believed to have been among the first Englishmen to visit Australia. He explored the coast of New Holland (modern-day Australia) in the 1620s and wrote accounts of his voyages.

In the realm of literature, Ebenezer Wiggins (1796-1862) was a British poet and writer known for his works on education and moral philosophy. He published several books, including "The Pleasures of Study" and "The True Educator."

Rufus Wiggins (1809-1870) was an American educator and academic who served as the president of the University of Alabama from 1853 to 1856. He played a significant role in the development of the university during his tenure.

In the 20th century, John Wiggins (1920-2008) was a prominent British actor known for his roles in various television series and films, including "Doctor Who" and "The Avengers."

The name Wiggins has also been associated with various place names in England, such as Wigginton in Oxfordshire, which is derived from the Old English "Wiginga tun," meaning the farm or settlement of Wigga's people.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Wiggins families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Wiggins 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. Middlesex leads with 705 Wiggins' recorded in 1881 and an index of 2.24x.

County Total Index
Middlesex 705 2.24x
Oxfordshire 342 17.58x
Surrey 305 1.99x
Lancashire 250 0.67x
Berkshire 215 9.09x
Yorkshire 158 0.51x
Warwickshire 127 1.60x
Gloucestershire 120 1.94x
Kent 109 1.01x
Northamptonshire 103 3.48x
Essex 96 1.54x
Hampshire 70 1.08x
Worcestershire 62 1.51x
Staffordshire 54 0.51x
Cheshire 52 0.75x
Buckinghamshire 51 2.68x
Sussex 46 0.87x
Bedfordshire 43 2.64x
Hertfordshire 43 1.98x
Lanarkshire 43 0.42x
Leicestershire 38 1.09x
Glamorgan 28 0.51x
Suffolk 16 0.42x
Cumberland 15 0.55x
Wiltshire 15 0.54x
Somerset 13 0.26x
Lincolnshire 12 0.24x
Nottinghamshire 12 0.28x
Durham 11 0.12x
Huntingdonshire 11 1.76x
Shropshire 10 0.37x
Devon 9 0.14x
Dunbartonshire 8 0.94x
Herefordshire 7 0.54x
Aberdeenshire 6 0.21x
Angus 5 0.17x
Norfolk 4 0.08x
Renfrewshire 3 0.12x
Ayrshire 2 0.08x
Northumberland 2 0.04x
Royal Navy 2 0.53x
Westmorland 2 0.29x
Cambridgeshire 1 0.05x
Derbyshire 1 0.02x
Dorset 1 0.05x
Monmouthshire 1 0.04x
Rutland 1 0.43x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Hammersmith London in Middlesex leads with 58 Wiggins' recorded in 1881 and an index of 7.47x.

Place Total Index
Hammersmith London 58 7.47x
Lambeth 54 1.97x
Preston 53 5.30x
St Pancras London 46 1.81x
Portsea 43 3.40x
Aston 41 1.87x
Leafield 41 532.47x
Shoreditch London 38 2.78x
Reading St Giles 36 15.51x
Bermondsey 35 3.73x
St Marylebone London 33 1.96x
Battersea 32 2.76x
Acton 29 15.70x
Hackney London 29 1.64x
Birmingham 28 1.06x
Burford 27 159.95x
Great Wakering 27 194.24x
Islington London 26 0.85x
Abingdon St Helen 25 36.15x
Birkenhead 25 4.51x
Kingston On Thames 25 6.78x
Hungerford 24 75.02x
Leeds 24 1.36x
Everton 23 1.93x
Poplar London 22 3.70x
Reading St Mary 22 11.61x
Watlington 22 110.44x
Kensington London 21 1.20x
Limehouse London 21 6.07x
Mile End Old Town 21 4.22x
Newington 20 1.72x
Wimbledon 19 11.02x
Hitchin 18 18.36x
Paddington London 18 1.55x
Walton Le Dale 18 17.92x
Hillingdon 17 16.92x
Pavenham 17 360.93x
Witney 17 52.24x
Barony 16 0.62x
Camberwell 16 0.80x
Chilton Foliat 16 263.59x
Hampstead London 16 3.26x
Harmondsworth 16 81.80x
Bromley London 15 2.16x
Brighton 14 1.31x
Ducklington 14 298.51x
Erith 14 13.22x
Fritwell 14 231.41x
Godalming 14 14.49x
Pendleton In Salford 14 3.14x
St Luke London 14 2.77x
Westminster St John 14 3.65x
Wetherby 14 68.83x
Carshalton 13 22.13x
Charlbury 13 59.52x
Lewisham 13 2.27x
East Claydon 12 326.09x
Isleworth 12 8.57x
Piddington 12 396.04x
Shipston On Stour 12 64.10x
St George In East 12 5.60x
Badgeworth 11 101.48x
Belgrave 11 13.95x
Bethnal Green London 11 0.80x
Blockley 11 47.29x
Chelsea London 11 1.16x
Deptford St Paul 11 1.33x
Ealing 11 3.91x
Handsworth 11 4.20x
Harting 11 79.65x
Maldon St Peter 11 34.71x
Moreton In Marsh 11 71.06x
Penarth 11 20.52x
Shipton Under Wychwood 11 87.86x
St George Hanover 11 2.67x
Tottenham 11 2.19x
Toxteth Park 11 0.87x
Woolwich 11 2.77x
Englefield 10 238.10x
Waltham Holy Cross 10 17.20x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 191
Elizabeth 121
Sarah 106
Ann 66
Eliza 62
Jane 60
Emma 57
Alice 53
Ellen 49
Annie 47
Emily 43
Hannah 30
Martha 30
Louisa 29
Margaret 26
Charlotte 24
Ada 21
Catherine 21
Clara 21
Fanny 20
Florence 17
Kate 17
Lucy 17
Harriet 16
Maria 16
Anne 14
Edith 14
Matilda 14
Susan 13
Caroline 12
Frances 12
Agnes 11
Esther 11
Rose 10
Selina 10
Amelia 9
Amy 9
Eleanor 9
Harriett 9
Minnie 9
Elizth. 8
Isabella 7
Lizzie 7
Susannah 7
Bertha 6
Helen 6
Louise 6
Rebecca 6
Francis 5
Jessie 5

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 198
John 149
George 112
Charles 97
James 97
Thomas 97
Henry 72
Joseph 65
Edward 48
Alfred 43
Robert 33
Frederick 28
Richard 27
Albert 26
Arthur 26
Samuel 24
Harry 22
Edwin 21
Walter 19
David 15
Herbert 15
Frank 13
Wm. 12
Ernest 11
Francis 10
Thos. 10
Daniel 9
Geo. 8
Benjamin 7
Sidney 6
Fred 5
Jonathan 5
Sydney 5
Willm. 5
Fred. 4
Fredk. 4
Fredrick 4
Jeremiah 4
Jesse 4
Jno. 4
Philip 4
Tom 4
Abraham 3
Chas. 3
Elisha 3
Emmanuel 3
Job 3
Mark 3
Robt. 3
Saml. 3

FAQ

Wiggins surname: questions and answers

How common was the Wiggins surname in 1881?

In 1881, 3,235 people were recorded with the Wiggins surname. That placed it at #1,397 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Wiggins surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 4,768 in 2016. That gives Wiggins a modern rank of #1,425.

What does the Wiggins surname mean?

Derived from the Old English given name Wicga, with the addition of the patronymic suffix -ing and the genitive ending -s.

What does the Wiggins map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Wiggins 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.