PETTITT
Also recorded as Pett Itt
Pettitt
Pettitt is a British surname of Old French origin, believed to be derived from the medieval personal name "Petit", meaning "small" or "little". This surname is found mainly in the southern region of England, particularly in the historic county of Sussex.
Origin and Meaning:
The surname Pettitt originated as a nickname for a person of small stature or a younger member of a family. It is classified as a metonymic occupational name derived from the Old French word "petit", which was also used to describe a child or a young man. Over time, variations of the name, such as Petit and Pettit, have also been recorded.
Distribution:
The Pettitt surname is primarily concentrated in the southern counties of England, particularly in Sussex, where the name has a long history. It is believed that the Pettitt family has resided in this region for centuries, with notable presence in towns such as Chichester, Brighton, and Hastings.
Notable Individuals:
- John Pettitt (1805–1872): A prominent Victorian artist known for his historical and genre paintings.
- Dr. Susan Pettitt: A contemporary researcher in the field of genetics, specialising in inherited disorders.
Legacy:
The Pettitt surname represents a significant aspect of British heritage, embodying characteristics of resilience and adaptability. Through the centuries, bearers of this name have made notable contributions to various fields, reflecting the diversity and strength of the British society.
References:
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (2018). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 4,546 people named Pettitt in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,063rd most common surname in Britain. Around 70 in a million people in Britain are named Pettitt.
Surname type: Nickname
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- Simon
- Stephen
Female
- Alison
- Annette
- Diane
- Elizabeth
- Jacqueline
- Janet
- Karen
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Samantha
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.