PITKIN
Pitkin
Pitkin is a distinctive British surname that traces its origins to early medieval times. The name is of Anglo-Saxon descent and is believed to have derived from the Old English word "pyt," meaning a well or a pit, and "kinn," which refers to a family or kinship. This suggests that the name Pitkin may have originally denoted someone living near a well or a pit.
The first recorded instance of the surname Pitkin dates back to the 14th century, where it was found in the historical records of Worcestershire, England. Over the centuries, the name has been documented in various regions across the United Kingdom, with notable concentrations in counties such as Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall.
The Pitkin family name has been associated with a variety of occupations, including agricultural labourers, miners, and tradesmen. Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname Pitkin have contributed to diverse fields, reflecting the evolution and spread of the name in British society.
Today, the surname Pitkin remains relatively rare, but it continues to be passed down through generations, preserving a link to the heritage and history of its bearers. The legacy of the Pitkin name serves as a testament to the rich tapestry of British surnames and their enduring significance in genealogical studies and family heritage.
References:
- Reaney, P.H., & Wilson, R.M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 575 people named Pitkin in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around nine in a million people in Britain are named Pitkin.
Surname type: Diminutive
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
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Mark
- Paul
- Richard
- Robert
- Simon
Female
- Emma
- Jennifer
- Joan
- Julia
- Karen
- Mary
- Pamela
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Sara
- Sarah
- Susan
- Theresa
- Tracy