This surname is derived from the name of an ancestor. 'the son of Wisgar,' or Wiscar. In Domesday described thus: 'Wiscar,' Suffolk; 'Wisgar,' Suffolk; 'Wisgarus, 'Essex The long article on 'Whiskers' appended to this name in Lower is quite out of place. The solution has nothing to do with 'facial ornaments.' The modern form Whisker is simply imitative.

Nicholas Wiscard, Salop, 1273. Hundred Rolls.

Wiscard Litel, Huntingdonshire, ibid.

Whischard de Charrum, 1269: Hodgson's History of Northumberland.

Wiscard, or Wyschardus Ledet, Henry III-Edward I: Testa de Nevill, sive Liber Feodorum, temp. Henry III-Edward I.

1805. Married — George Redpath and Charlotte Whisker: St. George, Hanover Square.

For Wisgar, q.v.

As we have in our nomenclature a great number of names evidently referring to shape, complexion, the beard, and other personal characteristics, this name might, prima FACIE, appear to have originated from the facial ornaments of the gentleman who first assumed or bore it; but if we look into the history of the word, we shall find it very insufficient in point of antiquity to warrant such a conclusion. The fact seems to be, that until quite a recent period-long posterior to the assumption of surnames-the whisker, as now understood, was regarded as a mere adjunct or tributary of the beard. Indeed, there was no necessity for any distinction until the absurd and unnatural practice of shaving came into vogue. Long after that epoch-to wit, in the days of Dr. Sam. Johnson-the word whisker meant, not the hair of the cheek, but "the hair growing upon the upper lip; the mustachio." (Dict.) Now, the lexicographer derives whisker from ' whisk,' "a small besom or brush," which the facial whisker of our time sufficiently resembles, when unaccompanied by the chin-beard. But the true origin of the name has nothing to do with a face, be the same hirsute or smooth, but refers to the honest and necessary occupation of the wash-tub; for Dr. Bosworth informs us that wcascere signifies, in modern English, ' a washer,' a man or woman as the case (or gender rather) might be, who cleansed dirty linen. This origin is supported by the more modern surnames Washer and Lavender; though perhaps the ante-Domesday personal name Wisgar, or Wiscar, may have a better claim.

The same as Wiskar, Wisker, the ancient names Wisgar, Wiscar, and Old German Wiscard, Viscard; corrupted from Visigardus, which Wachter renders hortus belli Ducum. Visigardus was the name of a daughter of Theodebert, king of the Franks, wife of Gregory of Tours.