PETTY
Petty
Definition
Petty is a prominent English surname derived from the Old French word "petit," meaning small or little. It is a toponymic surname, commonly associated with families who lived in various places named Petit or Petyt in England.
Origins
The surname Petty has ancient roots dating back to the medieval period in England. It is believed to have originated in Normandy, France, before being introduced to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Over time, the surname Petty spread across different regions of England.
Distribution and Popularity
The surname Petty is widely distributed across the United Kingdom, with concentrations in regions like Yorkshire, Lancashire, and London. In modern times, it remains a relatively common surname, with many individuals proudly bearing the name and passing it down through generations.
Notable Individuals
The Petty surname has been associated with various notable individuals throughout history. One of the most famous bearers of the name is Sir William Petty (1623-1687), an English economist, scientist, and philosopher known for his pioneering work in statistics and demography.
Coat of Arms
The Petty family has a distinguished coat of arms that symbolises their heritage and lineage. The coat of arms typically features heraldic elements such as shields, crests, and mottoes, which are unique to each branch of the family.
Modern Usage
In contemporary times, the surname Petty continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining its connection to both the past and the present. Many individuals with the surname Petty can be found engaged in a wide range of professions and activities throughout the United Kingdom and beyond.
Overall, the surname Petty holds a significant place in British history and culture, representing a rich tapestry of tradition, heritage, and family pride.
There are approximately 3,829 people named Petty in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,435th most common surname in Britain. Around 59 in a million people in Britain are named Petty.
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
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Richard
- Stephen
- William
Female
- Barbara
- Deborah
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Jane
- Julie
- Margaret
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Patey
- Patie
- Patt
- Pattey
- Patti
- Pattie
- Pattis
- Patty
- Pattyn
- Paty
- Patyi
- Peat
- Peatey
- Peatie
- Peatt
- Peattie
- Peatty
- Peaty
- Peet
- Peett
- Peety
- Pet
- Pete
- Petey
- Peti
- Petie
- Petit
- Petite
- Petitt
- Pett
- Petta
- Pette
- Pettes
- Pettey
- Petti
- Pettie
- Petties
- Pettin
- Pettis
- Pettit
- Pettiway
- Petto
- Petts
- Pettyt
- Pety
- Petyt
- Piett
- Piette
- Pitty
- Pity
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.