Surname Trigger - Meaning and Origin

Trigger: What does the surname Trigger mean?

The surname Trigger is of Old Norse origin, derived from the Old Norse personal name 'Tryggve', which means 'trustworthy' or 'faithful'. It is an example of a class of surnames known as 'patronymics', which are based on first names. The name suggests qualities of reliability, trustworthiness, and steadfastness, attributes of a person on whom one can depend.

Over time, it has been influenced by the English word 'trigger', leading to its current spelling. However, its origin is separate from its association with the mechanism that initiates the firing sequence in a firearm or explosive. In some cases, the surname Trigger might be an occupational surname for someone whose job involved pulling a trigger, such as a crossbowman.

The surname is quite rare, and can be found mainly in Europe, especially in the United Kingdom. Notable people with the surname Trigger include acclaimed Canadian historian Bruce G. Trigger, and prolific British comedy actor and singer Roger Lloyd-Pack, known for his role as 'Trigger' in the BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses.

Trigger: Where does the name Trigger come from?

The last name Trigger is not an incredibly common name today. According to the 2020 United States Census, there were only 88 people in the United States with the name Trigger. All of these people lived in either Washington or Oregon.

The name Trigger is thought to be derived from the Middle English word 'tregge', which roughly means ‘to provoke’. The name is believed to have been given to someone who had a habit of stirring up trouble and provoking others.

Traditionally, the surname Trigger was found mainly in England, although some have also had recordings in other countries. Records of the name date back to the late sixteenth century; with Thomas Trigger being recorded in Sussex in 1570. It was also found in Wales in the early nineteenth century, with William Trigger being born in 1826.

The surname could also have originated from an occupational name for an armourer or maker of crossbows, also known as a 'triggerman': someone who created and assembled crossbows, which could fire bolts or arrows.

Today, the surname is still more commonly found in the United Kingdom than in the United States. It is most frequent in the southeast of England, and in particular in East Anglia; with Norfolk and Suffolk having some of the highest numbers of people with the surname.

Although not as common as it once was, the surname Trigger can still be found scattered across the globe, with a few hundred present in the United States.

Variations of the surname Trigger

The surname Trigger is believed to have Germanic origin. It is thought to derive from Middle High German, with the words 'triegen', 'trege' and 'tregen' meaning to drag. Initially, it may have referred to an individual who performed this type of work.

Variations, Spellings and Surnames:

• Trigge

• Trigg

• Trig

• Trige

• Trigar

• Trigges

• Triggler

• Trigllar

• Trygger

• Tryggeri

• Tryg

• Trygge

• Tryge

• Trygges

• Trygger

• Tryggers

• Tryggest

• Tryggey

• Trugger

• Truggest

• Très

• Trogge

• Trogg

• Trekker

• Trekking.

A number of variants of this surname have been identified; Trigg, Trigge, Trigar, Trigges, Triggler, Trigllar, Trygger, Tryggeri, Tryg, Trygge, Tryge, Trygges, Trygger, Tryggers, Tryggest, Tryggey, Trugger, Truggest, Très, Trogge, Trogg, Trekker and Trekking.

It is possible that the surname Trigger has evolved over time, in addition to being adapted upon migration from its native country of Germany. This may explain why there are so many different spelling variations of the surname today. Furthermore, it is also possible that the surname has been modified over time to fit different linguistic or cultural environments or to hide ones Germanic heritage.

Famous people with the name Trigger

• Trigger Alpert: American jazz double-bassist, composer, arranger and record producer
• Dave Trigger: former English cricketer and current coach and mentor
• Rotimi Trigger: Nigerian actor, producer, director and musician
• Vanoye Aikens Trigger: Expert on Black Theatre/Drama and African American Performance
• Paul Fox Trigger: Founding member of the Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest and Festival
• Sally Trigger: English actor and singer
• Tommy Trigger: stage name of British Magician John Davids
• Mick Trigger: nickname of English punk rock musician Mick Jones
• Rob Trigger: American comedian and writer
• Mark Triggers: American record producer, engineer and guitarist

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