As described in historical dictionaries

An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)

Hnott, Saxon, smooth, round, a nut. Notted, an old word for shorn, polled. The name may have come from wearing the hair short and smooth. "A nott hed had he, with a brown visage."--Chaucer. The following, it is said, was penned by the first wife of the Rev. Dr. Nott, on his asking her hand in marriage: "Why urge, dear sir, a bashful maid, To change her single lot, When well you know, I've often said In truth, I love you, Nott. For all your pain I do, Nott, care, And trust me on my life, Though you had thousands,--I declare, I would, Nott, be your wife."

Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.


Patronymica Britannica (1860)

NOTT. See Knott and Nutt,

Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.


Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.