Prigg - Name

Prigg is a variant form of the English name 'Pryke' which in itself is a variation on the Middle English 'Prike' or 'Prich' meaning point. Thus it became a metonymic occupational name for one who made or used any of a variety of pointed instruments such as a needle or owl. In 1602 Alse Prick married Christover Moorehead at St. Bride's, London on 1st May, and on November 16th 1653, one Charles Prigg was christened at St. Martin in the Fields, Westminster, London. The engraver Robert Prick was well known in the mid 1600's for his engravings. He also published a variety of architectural works. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Henry Prig, which was dated 1186, Pipe Rolls Worcestershire, during the reign of King Henry II, The Builder of Churches, 1154 - 1189. 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.