A J B Higgins

The surname Higgins has roots in England, stemming from names like Hugh and Richard, often with a patronymic suffix indicating 'son of.' In Ireland, it is an Anglicised form of the Gaelic Ó hUiginn, meaning 'descendant of Uiginn,' with Uiginn itself derived from the Old Norse 'víkingr' or Viking. While the provided text details numerous individuals with the Higgins surname across various fields including business, science, literature, military, music, politics, sports, television, film, and other professions, the specific individual A. J. B. Higgins is not detailed in the provided Wikipedia extract. The extract does mention Godfrey Higgins (1772–1833) as an English writer on mythology, which may be the closest relevant figure to an esoteric or philosophical focus. Fictional characters named Higgins also appear in literature and television.

The surname Higgins is found in both England and Ireland, with varied etymological paths. In England, it likely derives from given names such as Hugh or Richard, incorporating the patronymic suffix '-ings,' signifying 'belonging to' or 'son of.' This suggests a lineage connected to individuals named Hugh or derivatives like Hig, or even Richard through a diminutive form like Hicke. The Irish version of the surname, Ó hUiginn, translates to 'descendant of Uiginn.' The name Uiginn itself is believed to be the Gaelic adaptation of the Old Norse term 'víkingr,' meaning Viking. An additional Irish variation, McHiggins, also exists.

While the provided text lists many individuals named Higgins across diverse professions, the specific figure A. J. B. Higgins is not elaborated upon. However, Godfrey Higgins (1772–1833) is identified as an English writer who focused on mythology. His work could potentially touch upon esoteric, mystical, or philosophical themes related to ancient beliefs and symbolism, aligning with the library's focus. Other individuals in literature include Aidan Higgins, Beda Higgins, Fiona Higgins, George V. Higgins, Jack Higgins (pseudonym), Marguerite Higgins, Michael D. Higgins, Rita Ann Higgins, and Ryan T. Higgins, though their specific contributions are not detailed in this extract beyond their roles as writers, poets, or journalists.

The surname Higgins also appears in fictional contexts, notably in literature and television. A prominent example is Henry Higgins, a character central to George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion, which was later adapted into the musical My Fair Lady. This character, a professor of phonetics, engages with themes of language, social class, and transformation. Additionally, Jonathan Higgins is a character from the American television series Magnum, P.I., and a female adaptation of this character, Juliet Higgins, appears in the 2018 reboot of the series. These fictional portrayals demonstrate the surname's presence in popular culture.