Recorded as Wagg, Wagge, and the diminutives Waggatt, Waggett, Waggit, Waggot and Waggott, this is an English medieval surname although one of much earlier and confused origins. It derives either from the pre 7th Century word "wag" meaning to shake, as with laughter, and hence was a nickname for a jolly person, or it is from the given name Wag, Wig, Wigod or Wigot. These latter examples translate as "war god" from the words "wig", meaning war, and "god", god or perhaps good. As a personal name, there were then few surnames as we know them today, Wigot is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 in the counties of Sussex, Bedfordshire, and Berkshire, and as Wigod in Devonshire.
However spelt it remained popular as a baptismal name until the 14th century. The surname first appears on record in the 12th century (see below), and other early recordings include John Wagg of Yorkshire in the Hundred Rolls of that county in 1273, and Henry Waget of Lincolnshire, also in 1273. Early exam0ples of church recordings from the Elizabethan and Stuart times include the christening of John Waggat at Farnham, in Surrey, on July 13th 156, Thomasen Wagg, who was buried at St Jameds Clerkenwell, in the city of London, on December 9th 1607, and John Waggitt who married Margarett Bowring at Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland on October 13th 1656. Thomas Waggitt, aged 17, who left London on the ship "Thomas and John", bound for Virginia in 1635, was the earliest recorded name bearer to settle in America. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of John Wiget. This was dated 1180, in the Pipe Rolls of Worcestershire, during the reign of King Henry 11nd, 1154 - 1189. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
The history of the surname waggatt is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of waggatt. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of waggatt.
It is common for surnames like waggatt to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones.
The historical journey of the surname waggatt can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of waggatt. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname waggatt.
You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname waggatt, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames.
Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all waggatts who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. If you or someone you know bears the surname waggatt, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname waggatt who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.
It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname waggatt. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of waggatt.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of waggatt, and at the same time, of surnames in general.