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

Haggis, 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 Haggis surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Haggis in America

Haggis is the 133114th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Haggis surname appeared 117 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Haggis.

The history of the last name Haggis

The surname Haggis has distinct Scottish origins, emerging in the medieval period, particularly around the Lowlands and the Borders regions of Scotland. The name is derived from the famous Scottish dish "haggis," but its etymological roots likely trace back to the Old Norse word "haggw," meaning "to hack" or "hew." This might hint at its initial use as a nickname for someone who prepared this dish or was a butcher by trade.

Early mentions of the surname Haggis are scarce, but historical references can be found in Scottish parish records and local deeds. One of the earliest recorded examples of the name dates back to the 15th century when a John Haggis is noted in a 1460 land grant document in Edinburgh. The surname also appears in the 16th century, with a William Haggis listed as a witness in a 1583 transaction involving property near Inverness.

Multiple spellings of the surname existed over the centuries, variations often seen in old records include Hagis, Hagys, and Haggys. These variations were common due to the lack of standardized spelling during that period. The name's association with certain place names further supports its Scottish heritage. For instance, the village of Haggisburn in the Scottish Borders suggests a possible origin or significant presence of the family in that area.

As we move through history, notable individuals bearing the surname appear. James Haggis, born in 1710, was a prominent tailor in Glasgow who left a wealth of detailed accounts and diaries that shed light on the occupational origins of the name. Another significant figure is Margaret Haggis, born in 1815, who was a suffragette and a vocal advocate for women's rights in Edinburgh. Her activism in the mid-19th century left a lasting impact on the movement.

One cannot overlook Thomas Haggis, born in 1773, who became widely recognized for his contributions to the Scottish Enlightenment. His philosophical writings and participation in intellectual circles in Edinburgh significantly influenced contemporary thought. Additionally, Alexander Haggis, born in 1799, made his mark as a poet and author, with a collection of works that provided insights into Scottish rural life and traditions.

Lastly, another notable bearer of the surname was Helen Haggis, born in 1842, who became a pioneering educator and established several schools for girls in Glasgow at a time when educational opportunities for women were severely limited.

The surname Haggis carries a rich history that is deeply interwoven with Scotland's culture, geography, and historical figures. Its origin as a term connected to food preparation or butchery translated into a family name that resonates through centuries of Scottish heritage and influence.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Haggis

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

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 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Haggis 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.

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 Haggis was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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