Briggs is an English surname of Norman origin that was brought to Britain by the Normans during their conquest in the 11th century. The name originally derives from the Old Norse word "briggja," which means "strong" or "vigorous." It was a nickname given to someone who was robust, powerful, or energetic.
The surname Briggs can also be traced back to an English place name, Brigg in Lincolnshire, and it may have been an occupational name for a worker or inhabitant of that town. In some cases, the name may also have originated as a patronymic surname, meaning that it was derived from the given name of the father of the original bearer.
Over time, Briggs has become quite common in England and Wales, with its popularity steadily increasing throughout the 20th century. It is also found in other parts of the world where British influence has been significant, such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States.
Today, Briggs is still predominantly a surname but it has also started to appear as a given name for boys in recent years. Regardless of its use as a first or last name, Briggs remains a strong and distinctive name with a rich history and an appealing meaning.
"From the early years showing a slow start with only 5 births each in 1935 and 1942, the name Briggs began to gain traction around the mid-20th century, fluctuating between 5 and 11 births annually from 1955 onwards. A significant spike occurred after 1996, with the number of yearly births consistently increasing, reaching over 800 in 2023."