Punnett

The surname Punnett is of English origin and is thought to be derived from the Middle English word 'punn', meaning 'pound', and the suffix '-ett', denoting a smaller form. The name likely originated as an occupational surname for someone who worked as a pound keeper or tax collector.

The Punnett family name has been recorded in various forms throughout history such as Punnet, Punnette, and Punnetts. One of the earliest known records of the surname dates back to the 13th century in the county of Sussex, England.

The Punnett family has a long history in England and has been associated with different regions across the country. Over the years, individuals with the surname Punnett have been documented in various records, including census data, parish registers, and other historical documents.

Notably, the Punnett name is also linked to the renowned geneticist Reginald Punnett (1875–1967), who is credited with developing the Punnett square, a visual representation used in genetics to predict the outcomes of genetic crosses.

Today, the surname Punnett is found not only in the United Kingdom but also in other former British colonies and beyond, carried by descendants of the original bearers who have migrated and settled around the world.

There are approximately 225 people named Punnett in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Punnett.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andre
  • Andrew
  • Chris
  • Christopher
  • Daniel
  • David
  • Geoffrey
  • George
  • John
  • Martin
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Alison
  • Frances
  • Hannah
  • Janet
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Rachael
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Victoria

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