Potter

Potter is an English occupational surname derived from the occupation of making pottery or a potter. The surname has its roots in the Middle English word "pottere," which was used to refer to someone who made and sold pottery items.

Origin: The surname Potter can be traced back to medieval England, where pottery was an important craft in both rural and urban areas. Families who were involved in pottery-making often adopted the surname Potter to indicate their trade.

Distribution: The surname Potter is a common surname in England, with significant concentrations in regions historically known for their pottery production, such as Staffordshire and the Midlands. Over time, the surname has spread to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Notable People:

  • Beatrix Potter (1866–1943): An English author and illustrator best known for her children's books, including "The Tale of Peter Rabbit."
  • Harry Potter: A fictional character created by J.K. Rowling in the popular "Harry Potter" book series.
  • Dennis Potter (1935–1994): A British playwright and screenwriter known for works such as "The Singing Detective" and "Pennies from Heaven."

Variations: Variations of the surname Potter include Potters, Potterton, and Pottier.

Coat of Arms: The Potter family coat of arms typically features symbols associated with pottery, such as kilns or pottery vessels. The crest may also include elements representing creativity or craftsmanship.

Legacy: The surname Potter has left a lasting legacy in the fields of pottery, literature, and entertainment. Through notable individuals bearing the name, the legacy of the Potter surname continues to be celebrated and remembered in various forms of art and culture.

There are approximately 32,689 people named Potter in the UK. That makes it the 238th most common surname in Britain. Around 502 in a million people in Britain are named Potter.

Surname type: Occupational name

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
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jennifer
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • 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.

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