PETTIGREW
Pettigrew
Pettigrew is a distinguished surname of British origin, with roots tracing back to Scotland and England. The name is derived from the Old French name "Petit" meaning small or little, and "grue" which means crane, denoting a small crane bird. The earliest records of the name Pettigrew date back to medieval Scotland, where the name was used as a nickname for someone who was small in stature or had a delicate appearance.
History
The surname Pettigrew has been found in various regions of the United Kingdom, including Scotland and England. The first recorded instance of the name was in the 12th century in Scotland. Over the centuries, the Pettigrew family established themselves in different parts of the British Isles and became prominent figures in their communities.
Notable Individuals
- William Pettigrew (1800-1853): A renowned British botanist and explorer known for his expeditions to South America and Africa, where he documented and collected various plant species.
- Helen Pettigrew (1895-1972): A pioneering British mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of applied mathematics.
- Sir Charles Pettigrew (1948-present): A distinguished British diplomat who has served as the UK Ambassador to several countries, promoting international relations and diplomacy.
Current Distribution
The surname Pettigrew remains relatively uncommon in the United Kingdom, with concentrations in Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland. Many individuals with the surname Pettigrew can trace their ancestry back to one of these regions.
Coat of Arms
The Pettigrew family coat of arms features a shield divided into quarters, each displaying symbols representing strength, wisdom, and loyalty. The crest is adorned with a small crane bird, symbolising grace and agility.
Overall, the surname Pettigrew carries a legacy of resilience, intelligence, and determination, making it a significant part of British genealogy and history.
There are approximately 2,179 people named Pettigrew in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,918th most common surname in Britain. Around 33 in a million people in Britain are named Pettigrew.
Surname type: Nickname
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
- Alan
- Alexander
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Robert
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Anne
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Jane
- Karen
- Laura
- Louise
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Stephanie
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.