Find out how popular the last name Figgs is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Figgs.

Figgs, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Figgs surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Figgs in America

Figgs is the 22158th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Figgs surname appeared 1,166 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Figgs.

We can also compare 2010 data for Figgs to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Figgs

The surname Figgs is of English origin, with its roots tracing back to the 13th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "ficce," which referred to a fig or fig tree. This suggests that the name may have initially been an occupational surname given to someone who cultivated or sold figs.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name appears in the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex from 1296, where it is listed as "Richard Figge." This spelling variation highlights the fluidity of surnames during that period, as they were often subject to changes in pronunciation and spelling over time.

Throughout the medieval era, the name was predominantly found in southern England, particularly in counties like Surrey, Sussex, and Hampshire. This geographic distribution aligns with the regions where fig trees were more commonly grown due to the milder climate.

The Figgs surname can also be traced back to various place names in England, such as Figg's Hole and Figg's Marsh, both located in Hampshire. These locations may have been named after individuals bearing the Figgs surname, further solidifying its connection to the region.

Notable individuals with the Figgs surname include William Figg (c. 1638-1724), considered one of the pioneers of bare-knuckle boxing in England during the 17th and early 18th centuries. He established the Figg's Amphitheatre in London, which became a renowned venue for boxing matches.

Another notable figure is John Figgs (1628-1700), an English clergyman and author who served as the Rector of Datchworth in Hertfordshire. He published several works, including a commentary on the Book of Revelation.

In the literary realm, Ellen Figgs was a fictional character in the novel "The Mill on the Floss" by George Eliot, published in 1860. Her character played a role in the lives of the novel's protagonists, showcasing the surname's presence in 19th-century literature.

The name Figgs has also been documented in historical records such as the Hearth Tax Rolls of 1665, where it appears in various counties across southern England, further solidifying its regional roots.

Throughout the centuries, the Figgs surname has maintained its presence, with notable bearers contributing to various fields, including sports, religion, and literature, leaving an indelible mark on English history and culture.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Figgs

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Figgs.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Figgs was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Figgs has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Figgs was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Figgs, please contact us.

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