Higgins Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Higgins come from? What does the surname Higgins mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Higgins and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Higgins Origin: What does the last name Higgins mean?
The surname Higgins has origins in both England and Ireland. In England, it is derived from the name Hugh, Hig, or Hicke, with the patronymic termination 'ings', indicating 'belonging to' or 'the son of'. In Ireland, Higgins is the Anglicised form of the Gaelic name Ó hUiginn, meaning 'descendant of Uiginn', which traces back to the Old Norse víkingr or Viking. The surname Higgins first appeared in records from the United Kingdom around the early 15th century and later spread to the United States, becoming more prevalent by the 17th century.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Higgins surname in the United Kingdom since the 15th century, with a significant increase in the United States by the 17th century. Today, the Higgins surname can be found globally, with a notable presence in Northern Ireland as well. The name has evolved over time, reflecting a mix of English and Gaelic origins, and continues to be prominent in various countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, and Northern Ireland, showcasing its widespread distribution and rich historical background.
Higgins Last Name History: Where did the last name Higgins come from?
Origin of Higgins Surname: Where does the last name Higgins originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Higgins first appeared in records from the United Kingdom around the early 15th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Higgins” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Higgins: What does the Higgins surname history look like in the early days?
The “Higgins” surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom from the 15th through the 16th century. However, starting the 17th century, YourRoots data shows a substantial increase in the frequency of the Higgins surname in the United States. This suggests a significant migration or spread of the Higgins family to the United States during this period.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Higgins surname today?
Moving into the 18th and 19th centuries, the volume of records with the Higgins surname further grew in the United States, greatly surpassing the United Kingdom. In the 20th century, the Higgins surname remained prominent in the United States, with a notable presence in Northern Ireland as well. Today, the “Higgins” surname appears in many countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, and Northern Ireland, indicating its global spread.
Explore Higgins last name heritage and Higgins surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Higgins Surame?
John Higgins
John Higgins (May 18, 1975 - ) is a Scottish professional snooker player known for winning multiple championships and ranking titles. He has achieved great success in his career, including winning four World Championships and reaching the world number one position four times. Despite facing controversy over match-fixing allegations, Higgins has continued to compete at a high level, making his mark in the snooker world. With a long and impressive career, Higgins has solidified his place as one of the top players in the sport, earning the respect of fans and fellow competitors alike.
Michael D. Higgins
Michael Daniel Higgins (April 18, 1941 - present) is an Irish politician, poet, broadcaster, and sociologist, currently serving as the ninth president of Ireland since 2011. Known for his advocacy for justice, social equality, and reconciliation, Higgins has made significant strides in addressing societal issues during his time in office. With a background in academia and politics, he has held various roles such as minister for arts and culture and mayor of Galway. Higgins, fluent in Irish and Spanish, has made history with his re-election in 2018, receiving the largest personal mandate in the Republic of Ireland. His dedication to public service and progressive values has made him a respected figure both nationally and internationally.
Maura Higgins
Maura Higgins (Nov 25, 1990) is an Irish television personality known for her appearances on popular reality shows like Love Island and Dancing on Ice. She has also made a name for herself in the fashion and makeup industry, collaborating with brands like Bellamianta and Inglot Cosmetics. Higgins has won awards for her TV presenting skills and continues to expand her career, recently becoming the face of MAC Cosmetics UK and Ireland. With a strong social media presence and a growing list of accomplishments, Higgins is a rising star in the entertainment world.
John Michael Higgins
John Michael Higgins (Feb 12, 1963 - ) is an American actor, game show host, and comedian known for his roles in Christopher Guest's mockumentaries, HBO's The Late Shift, and the American version of Kath & Kim. He has also provided voice work for The Legend of Korra and Big Hero 6: The Series. Higgins has appeared in TV shows like Happily Divorced, Great News, and Arrested Development. He hosted the game show America Says and later Split Second. With a background in theater, Higgins has showcased his talent on stage, in films like Pitch Perfect, and as a voice actor in various projects.
Alex Higgins
Alexander Gordon Higgins (18 Mar 1949 – 24 Jul 2010) was a Northern Irish snooker player known as "Hurricane Higgins." He won the World Snooker Championship twice and was a key figure in popularizing the sport on TV in the 1980s. Higgins had a rapid playing style and was dubbed the "People's Champion" for his charisma. Despite his success, he faced personal struggles with addiction and had a tumultuous life off the table. His legacy in snooker remains iconic, and his emotional victory moments are still remembered in sports history.
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