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.
The name Briggs has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. According to the statistics provided, there were only 10 births with the name Briggs in 1927, and it remained relatively uncommon until the late 1980s.
However, beginning in the 1990s, there was a noticeable rise in the number of newborn boys named Briggs. In 1992, there were 14 births with this name, more than double the previous year's total. This trend continued into the new millennium, with over 200 births for each year from 2008 onwards.
The most recent data shows that in 2022, there were 982 newborn boys named Briggs in the United States. This is a significant increase from the previous year's total of 866 and is more than three times the number of births recorded just ten years ago in 2012.
It's fascinating to observe how the popularity of names can fluctuate over time, and these statistics demonstrate that Briggs has certainly become a more common choice for parents in recent years. While it may not have been as popular as some other names in past decades, its increasing frequency suggests that many families today find the name appealing.