PORTIS
Portis
The British surname Portis is a variant of the more common surname Porter. The name is of occupational origin, derived from the Old French word "porteur," meaning a carrier or transporter. The surname was likely given to those who worked as gatekeepers or doorkeepers in medieval times.
The Portis surname is found predominantly in the South of England, particularly in areas such as Kent and Sussex. Over time, variations of the name have emerged, including Portys and Porteus.
Individuals with the surname Portis have made contributions to various fields, including literature, sports, and politics. Notable bearers of the surname include American novelist Charles Portis, known for his works such as "True Grit," and British footballer Quinton Portis, who has played for several clubs in the English Football League.
In conclusion, the surname Portis has a rich history rooted in medieval occupations and has seen diverse branches of the family make notable achievements across different spheres.
There are approximately 94 people named Portis in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Portis.
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
- Christopher
- David
- John
- Keith
- Samuel
Female
- Bernadette
- Elizabeth
- Julie
- Karen
- Karenc
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.