PETTS

Petts is a surname of English provenance, which simultaneously reflects Greek linguistic heritage through its derivation from the medieval given name “Petyt.” The name Petyt is a diminutive of Peter, itself ultimately derived from the Greek word petros, meaning “rock” or “stone.” Consequently, the surname Petts traditionally characterised descendants of an individual bearing the personal name Petyt or Peter, and thus it is best understood as a patronymic form.

The recorded history of the surname demonstrates a diversity of spellings, including Pitt, Pitts, Pett, Pott, Potts, Pettus, Pates, Patis, Patise, Pettis, and Pettys. This array of forms illustrates the fluid orthographic conventions of the Middle Ages, during which surnames were often written phonetically. The earliest appearance of the family name is notable in the Pipe Rolls of Sussex, where a figure named Geruase de la Puette is recorded in 1182. This early entry precedes the first toponyms associated with the name in the 13th‑century court rolls.

In addition to its patronymic basis, Petts is also considered a topographical surname. It may derive from the Old English pre‑7th‑century word pytt, meaning a pit or hollow, sometimes combined with the suffix -hus, interpreted dialectically as -es, -en, -ys, or -ise. Early examples of the topographical usage appear as follows: Thomas de la Pitte in the 1225 Assize Court Rolls of Somerset; Roger de Petts in the London rolls of 1276; William Bitheputte of Somerset in 1277; Johan atte Pitte of Surrey in 1294; and Thomas in the Pyt of Worcestershire around 1300. These records illustrate the surname’s early application to individuals associated with geographic features or settlements containing the element pytt or its variants.

Later renderings of the name, such as James Pettes at St Michael Cornhill in 1562 and John Patyes at St Andrews Holborn, both in the city of London, evidence the continued evolution of spelling through the Early Modern period. The most renowned bearer of a related form is William Pitt the Younger, born in 1759, who served as Prime Minister of England from 1783 until his death in 1806; his surname, though rendered as “Pitt,” shares the same etymological roots.

In contemporary usage, the surname Petts remains uncommon, with its bearers predominantly situated in the south‑east of England, especially within Sussex and adjoining counties. The persistence of the name in these regions reflects its historical continuity and the enduring nature of patronymic and topographical identifiers in English onomastics.

Typical given names associated with the Petts surname

Male

• Andrew
• Christopher
• David
• Gary
• Ian
• James
• John
• Martin
• Michael
• Nicholas
• Robert
• Stephen

Female

• Alison
• Catherine
• Christine
• Claire
• Jacqueline
• Janet
• Karen
• Margaret
• Maureen
• Patricia
• Sarah
• Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

How to communicate the surname Petts in...

Braille

⠏⠑⠞⠞⠎

Morse

.--..--...

Semaphore

Surname type: From name of parent

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Famous people named Petts

• John Petts - Artist (1914 to 1991)

Names and descriptions courtesy of Wikipedia, and may contain errors. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every famous person with this name.

Your comments on the Petts surname