Surname Peggs - Meaning and Origin

Peggs: What does the surname Peggs mean?

The last name Peggs is believed to be of English origin. It is thought to derive from the medieval personal name "Peg(g), which is a shortened form of Margaret or Margery. Alternatively, it could also be a shortened form of a pet form of "Padgett" or "Hubbald".

Peggs could also be an old nickname, which is derived from a dialectal of the Middle English word "pegge", which was used to refer to an animal foot with unusual split hooves. It is likely that the surname was originally a nickname for a person who was similar in some way to these unusual feet.

The surname Peggs first appeared in records in the United Kingdom in the 15th century. Its first recorded holder was John Pegge, who appeared in Somerset, England in 1483. This family held a manor at Alscot, near Stratford on Avon, and also had lands in Droitwich, Worcestershire.

The first known bearer of the name in the United States was George Peggs, who was recorded in Boston in 1743. There was also a large Scottish family of this surname from the 18th century, whose current most prominent holder is the Scottish author and actor, Simon Pegg.

In conclusion, the last name Peggs is believed to have originated either from a personal name, a nickname, or both. The surname has a rich and varied history, with strong connections to both the United Kingdom and the United States.

Peggs: Where does the name Peggs come from?

The surname Peggs is mostly found today in the United Kingdom. According to the last UK census (2011) it is predominantly concentrated in the East of England, particularly in Norfolk and Suffolk counties, although larger numbers can also be found in parts of the South West and Yorkshire.

The surname has likely originated in the Northern English county of Yorkshire. Alternatively, it is possible that it has a Norse origin: the given name Peggr is found in Viking history and may have given rise to the modern surnames with this spelling.

The earliest documented holder of the name dates back to the early 15th century in Worcestershire, England and from then until the 19th century, the name mainly remained within the UK. During the 19th century, the British Empire was at its largest, leading more people to see this as an opportunity to move out and explore the world - many of them carrying the name Peggs.

Today, the surname is found in many English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It has even been recorded in Germany, as well as other parts of Europe.

Overall, the surname Peggs is still most strongly associated with the British Isles, due to its prevalence in that region. Nevertheless, it can be found in various parts of the world, making it a genuinely international surname.

Variations of the surname Peggs

The surname Peggs is of English and Irish descent, with various spellings and variants. It is believed to have originated around the English-Scottish border.

The most common variants are Pegge, Peg, Pegge, Pigg and Pigges. The various spellings of the surname, also depending on the location from which it comes, can be Peggs, Piggs, Pedgys, Pickes, Pikes and Peegs.

The Irish variants come mainly from County Cork and are spelled as Pigg, Pigge, Peeg, Perige and Pegge.

The family name can also be used as alternate surnames such as Peacre, Peecre, Peecer, Peetgis, Pegg, Peggses, and Piggers.

Most variant surnames of different origins are derived from the Middle English word 'pygg', which referred to an earthenware jar, and the Old English 'pixie', which means 'small'.

The variants of the Peggs surname can provide useful insights into an individual's family history, with some variant spellings dating back as far as the 1300s. Records from this time include those of John Pegg, who was baptised in 1572 in Suffolk.

Whether it’s Peggs, Piggs, Peacre, or Pigges, this surname offers an interesting foundation for uncovering details about one’s family lineage.

Famous people with the name Peggs

• Simon Pegg: Actor, writer, and comedian from the United Kingdom who has starred in a variety of films, including Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz.
• Elizabeth Peggs: Australian attorney specialising in corporate, property and insurance law.
• Stephen Peggs: Professional footballer who has played for a variety of teams, including Queen Park Rangers and Portsmouth.
• Jeremy Peggs: British military officer and historian who served as a NATO Commander for the Joint Warfare Centre in Norway.
• Graeme Peggs: Former rugby player who played professionally for St Helens and held the record for most appearances for the club.
• James Peggs: Professional ice hockey player who played for Swindon Wildcats, Manchester Phoenix, and Solihull Barons, among others.
• Malcolm Peggs: British poet who wrote the poem “An Ode to Love” which was included in Poetry for the Spirit: The Vision of Humanity From Labour Party Leaders.
• Ian Peggs: British author and playwright who wrote the book Aging in the Home and Communities: from Theory to Practice.
• Sarah Peggs: British singer and songwriter who has performed with the London Amateur Operatic Society.
• John Peggs: Professional cyclist who competed in the Tour of Britain.

Other surnames

PeggPegge