Bigot name popularity, meaning and origin

Name Popularity: 0%

Bigot name meaning:

The name "Bigot" as a boy's name is quite unusual and carries a fascinating if not controversial history. Originally, it is a surname of Norman origin that made its way to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The term "bigot" in modern usage generally refers to a person who is intolerantly devoted to their own opinions and prejudices, especially one who exhibits intolerance or animosity towards people of different beliefs or races. However, the transformation of "Bigot" into a term denoting intolerance is distinct from its usage as a personal or family name.

Historically, the etymology of the surname "Bigot" is subject to debate. One theory suggests it derives from the Old Norse byname "Bígóði," meaning "Bygod," a term possibly indicating a person who swears by God, or an exclamation. Another theory considers it might have been a nickname given to Normans by the French, possibly derived from the phrase "bi God" (by God), which Normans frequently used in their oaths. Despite its potentially noble origins, the modern connotation of the word "bigot" overshadows these historical roots, making it a challenging name in contemporary contexts.

Given the negative connotations associated with the term "bigot" today, it is unlikely to be chosen as a given name for a child. The shift in the word's meaning over time is a prime example of how language evolves and how the perception of certain names can change dramatically based on societal values and norms.