DITTY
Ditty
Overview: Ditty is a surname of English and Scottish origin. The etymology of the name is believed to have originated from a variety of sources, including the Old English and Scottish Gaelic languages.
Origins: The surname Ditty derived from the Old English word "ditty," which meant a small song or poem. It is possible that some bearers of this surname were known for their musical or poetic abilities. Another theory suggests that the name may have evolved from the Gaelic surname McDaid, which is predominantly found in Scotland and Ireland.
Distribution: The surname Ditty is relatively rare and is found scattered predominantly in the United Kingdom, with concentrations in England and Scotland. Individuals bearing this surname can be found in various parts of the world due to migration and historical movements.
Notable Individuals:
- John Ditty (1890–1965): A notable playwright and poet from Scotland known for his contributions to Scottish literature.
- Alice Ditty (b. 1985): A contemporary British artist recognised for her avant-garde sculptures.
Variants: Variants of the Ditty surname include Dittey, Dietty, and Dytty. These variations may have evolved over time due to regional accents, dialects, or clerical errors in historical records.
Coat of Arms: The Ditty surname does not have a recognised coat of arms associated with it. However, individuals interested in heraldry can research family crests and coats of arms that may be connected to regional origins or historical associations.
References:
- P. Hanks, Flavia Hodges, A. D. Mills, and A. Room, The Oxford Names Companion (2016).
- G. F. Black, The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History (2013).
This entry provides a brief overview of the British surname Ditty, outlining its origins, distribution, notable individuals, variants, and references for further exploration.
There are approximately 62 people named Ditty in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Ditty.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Allah
- Graeme
- Robert
- William
Female
- Carole
- Helen
- Mary
- Phyllis
- Tiffany