Surname Derritt - Meaning and Origin
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Derritt: What does the surname Derritt mean?
The last name Derritt is of English origin. It is an Anglicized spelling of the French name Derite, which derives from the Latin verb "radere", meaning to scrape or shave. The name is believed to have been used as an occupational name for a barber or a professional shaver. It could also have been used to refer to somebody who worked with metal, as the prefix "der-" was sometimes used to denote someone who worked with metal in Anglo-Saxon England.
The spelling of the name is believed to have shifted a number of times, from Derite, to Durite, to Durret, and finally to Derritt. Over time, the name spread to other countries such as Germany and Ireland, where it evolved into various spellings such as Darrett and Darat.
The name today is borne by many people throughout the world, most notably in the United States, where it is quite common. It is also prevalent throughout the British Isles, particularly in Scotland and England.
Derritt is a unique name, and it is a great reminder of the link between the distant past and our lives today. It is likely to have been a name held by people of great character and skill, and it is still a strong marker of identity to those who bear the name today.
Order DNA origin analysisDerritt: Where does the name Derritt come from?
The last name Derritt is not commonly recognized and does not appear in many global surname databases. It may be a spelling variation, a rare, or possibly an extinct surname. Therefore, it does not have a clear and precisely traceable origin, or present-day common location. It might come across in individual instances, possibly indicating personalized, local, or family-based alterations. If you know someone with this last name, their family history might be the key to understanding its origins and development. Alternatively, it might be a recent formation or an anglicized version of a non-English family name. It’s recommended to turn to professional or localized genealogical resources for more information on this very rare surname.
Variations of the surname Derritt
The surname Derritt seems to be of rare occurrence and not much information is prevalent regarding its variants or origin. It may be occasionally misspelled based on its phonetic pronunciation. Here, some possible spelling variations might include Deritt, Derrett, and Durret. Surnames that sound similar, but may not necessarily be of the same origin, include Dorritt, Durette, and Duret.
The surname can also be seen in combination with other names as part of a hyphenated family name, like Derritt-Smith or Derritt-Jones. But again, these figures are not widely prevalent.
It is possible that Derritt might be a variant of some more widespread surname, but unfortunately, there is no clear connection or link available. Few English surnames like ‘Dewitt’ and ‘Dereth’ might be the closest in resemblance but their connections are vague.
It's always a good idea to use genealogical sources or hire a professional genealogist for accurate information on surnames and their origins. It's worth noting that surnames often change over time and can vary significantly even within the same family tree due to personal preferences, phonetic shifts, clerical errors, translation or interpretation differences, and more.
Famous people with the name Derritt
- Jack Derrit: Former Vice-President of New Zealand and former Labour Party Member of Parliament
- Dan Derrit: American actress best known for her roles in the films "Inception" and "The Social Network"
- John Derrit: Canadian actor best known for his role in the television show "Rookie Blue"
- William Derrit: American painter from Memphis, Tennessee
- Emily Derrit: Australian model and actress best known for her roles in the films "The Sapphires" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides"
- Chris Derrit: American professional golfer
- Robert Derrit: British actor who has appeared in the television shows "Black Mirror" and "Sherlock"
- Joe Derrit: American jazz musician
- Thomas Derrit: American political scientist and author of the book "Prisoners of War: A Case Study of the Cuban Missile Crisis"
- Elena Derrit: Spanish singer-songwriter known for her hit song "Quien Soy"