Pettie

Origin and Meaning: Pettie is a British surname of Old French origin, derived from the word "petit", meaning small or little. The surname was likely used as a nickname for a person of small stature or as a term of endearment.

Distribution: The surname Pettie is primarily found in the United Kingdom, particularly in regions with historically strong ties to France, such as southern England and London.

Variants: Variants of the Pettie surname include Petty, Petit, and Peti.

Notable Individuals: One notable individual bearing the surname Pettie is John Pettie (1839-1893), a renowned Scottish painter known for his historical and genre scenes. Pettie was a prominent figure in the Victorian art world and a member of the Royal Academy.

References:

  • Reaney, P.H., & Wilson, R.M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. UK: Oxford University Press.
  • Rosenfeld, L. (2014). John Pettie: 19th Century Scottish Painter. London: Antique Collectors' Club.

Overall, the Pettie surname carries a sense of familiarity and history within the British cultural landscape, notably through the achievements of individuals such as John Pettie in the arts.

There are approximately 161 people named Pettie in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Pettie.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alexander
  • Andrew
  • Bruce
  • Christopher
  • Gordon
  • Graeme
  • Ian
  • John
  • Neil
  • Nicholas
  • Robert

Female

  • Alida
  • Anne
  • Barbara
  • Dana
  • Elaine
  • Emma
  • Fiona
  • Gillian
  • Kim
  • Laura
  • Lorna
  • Margaret
  • Susan

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