Surname Badger - Meaning and Origin

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S. Badger

Badger: What does the surname Badger mean?

The surname Badger is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is an occupational name for a maker or seller of bags. The word comes from the Middle English term "baggere," derived from "bagge," meaning bag. It's widely found throughout England, particularly in the eastern areas.

However, an alternate interpretation suggests that the surname might be linked to the animal badger. It might have been a nickname for someone who bore a fancied resemblance to a badger or perhaps given to individuals known for their nocturnal habits or tenacity, similar to the creature's characteristics.

Additionally, during the Middle Ages, there was a role in every community known as a 'badger.' This individual had the job of traveling and trading goods like corn and grain outside of the market, and therefore, their title became a surname. As with many surnames, there may be several origins for the name Badger.

As with all surnames, the definitive origin is difficult to establish as names were often influenced by factors such as regional dialects, colloquial semantic changes, and individual interpretation.

Badger: Where does the name Badger come from?

The surname Badger is of Anglo-Saxon origin, primarily from England. This patronymic name is believed to have been derived from an occupation. A 'badger' was a term in the Middle Ages for a dealer in food provisions, specifically a corn dealer or middleman between producer and seller. This terminology is linked to the Old English pre 7th Century 'bædgere', composed of 'byden', a load, a pack, and 'bæcg', back. Thus, it denotes a pedlar, hawker, or broker.

Over time, the surname has dispersed around the globe, especially in countries that speak English. However, it remains most prevalent today in England, specifically in the West Midlands, according to Forebears. It is also fairly common in the United States, primarily in the states of Wisconsin, New Hampshire, and Maine. Canada’s Ontario province and Australia also have a notable number of people carrying the Badger surname.

Variations of the surname Badger

The surname Badger is of English origin, possibly derived from the Middle English word "bajard," a term for a bold or straightforward person. Other theories include links to the occupation of a "bagge" or "badger," terms used to describe a trader or peddler, specifically one that traded corn or provisions.

Spelling variations and derivatives of the surname 'Badger' include Badgers, Badgery, Badgero, Badgerow, and Badgere. Broader spelling variations are more likely, given the multiple potential origins and phonetic nature of Old and Middle English.

Surnames which might share an origin with 'Badger' can include ones related to professions like Bagman, Bagger, or Bagshawe, which ties into the potential origin of a peddler or trader. If the origin is from the term "bajard", then surnames derived from similar descriptors of personality or character might share a root, although these would likely be less directly connected.

In some cases, the surname 'Badger' might have been Americanized or altered upon arrival in new countries, leading to a range of spellings and variations. Tracing the exact history of the surname and its variants could require genealogical or linguistic research.

Famous people with the name Badger

• Norman Badger, World War I United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the Medal of Honor
• Kevin Badger, professional ice hockey player
• Sam Badger, professional ice hockey player
• Robert Badger, English professional footballer
• Leonard Badger, Anglican Priest
• John Badger, English sculptor
• William Badger, English-Australian convict and farmer
• Jim Badger, American children’s author
• Justin Badger, Australian professional beach volleyball player
• Corey Badger, American bassist and musician

Other surnames

BadgeBadgeroBadgerowBadget