Sigward

This unusual and interesting name derives from the Olde Norse-Viking personal name 'Sigegor' which translates as 'victory-spear'. The origin is pre 8th Century when the first Viking invasions took place, the 'modern' spellings include Segins (C.1270) Segyn (C.1550) Sygges (C.1600) Siggs (1790) with Sigge or Siggee being found in early 13th Century Dorset. The name has also provided the suffix for such names as Sigfrid, Sigward and Sigmund found as both personal and surnames. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Aunketillus Sigge. which was dated 1214, in the Pipe Rolls of Dorset. during the reign of King John, known as Lackland 1199 - 1216. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.