Surname Pettit - Meaning and Origin

Deciphering my Heritage: An iGENEA DNA Analysis Journey into the Pettit Surname

Embarking on a voyage through centuries to decipher my lineage with iGENEA revealed the fascinating origins of my family name Pettit. From France to England and across the ocean to America, I navigated through the tapestry of history marked by resilience.

T. Pettit

Pettit: What does the surname Pettit mean?

The last name Pettit is of French origin. It was derived from the Old French word "petit" meaning small or little, which was often used as a nickname for a small, thin or petite person. Over time, this nickname evolved into a surname. Like other surnames that began as nicknames, it's possible that the original bearer of the name was physically smaller than their peers. Another assumption is that it may have referred to the younger of two siblings or to a junior family member. Today, there are many variations of the surname including Petit, Pettitt, Petitt, and Petitjean among others. Its first recorded spelling dates back to the early 13th century in England. It's important to note that not all people with the surname Pettit will have French ancestry as names often changed significantly as families moved to new countries and spoke new languages.

Pettit: Where does the name Pettit come from?

Today the last name Pettit is most common in the United States of America. According to the 2020 US Census Bureau, there are approximately 26,242 individuals in the US with the last name Pettit.

The Pettit surname is of English origin, derived from given name Petit, which is a diminutive form of Peter and was brought to the country by European settlers. After arriving, many Pettits settled in Pennsylvania, a colony that welcomed a wave of European immigrants during the 18th century. By the year 1920, there were 11,406 individuals in the US with the last name Pettit.

The geographical distribution of the Pettit last name has shifted over the years, and today it is most commonly found in the Midwest. The states with the highest concentration of Pettits in 2020 were Ohio with 4,572, Pennsylvania with 2,308, Illinois with 1,431, and Michigan with 1,326. The least common states with Pettits were Hawaii, with only four, and Alaska, with five, according to the 2020 US Census.

Overall, the Pettit last name is still claimed by many individuals throughout the US. It has a rich history that can trace its roots back to Europe, and its geographical distribution has changed over the years. Today, the largest concentrations of Pettits are in the Midwestern states, while the least common states are Alaska and Hawaii.

Variations of the surname Pettit

The surname Pettit is derived from a variety of sources, including from a diminutive of the Old French personal name 'Petit,' which means 'little,' and from Middle English 'petit,' meaning 'small.' It is also sometimes derived from place names associated with 'little ones,' such as Petty in Kent. Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include Pett-it, Pett-ett, Petit, Pettit, Petty, Pettitt, Petite, Petitt, Pettett, Pettyett, Petete, Pettitts, and Pettits.

In France, Petit is an especially popular variation of the name and is a common surname in the north of the country. The French version is often spelled with a final 'e,' such as in Petite, and is sometimes given as a middle name rather than a surname. In the United States, Pettitts is the most common spelling of the name, followed by Pettitt and Pettit.

In Scotland, Pettitt is the most common spelling of the surname. It was originally an occupational surname among weavers and messengers, and is thought to have descended from the personal name 'Petyt.' It is similarly found in Ireland as well, with Petite being the most common form.

Overall, the surname Pettit is found in many countries, with variants and spellings varying based on country and culture. Its origins are uncommon, with variants dating back centuries to Middle English, Old French, and even Latin surnames.

Famous people with the name Pettit

• Bob Pettit: Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, former NBA player for the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks
• William Pettit: CEO of Thor Industries, the world’s largest recreational vehicle manufacturer
• Jed Pettit: Lead vocalist of the electronic music duo Beat Crime
• Michael Pettit: Executive Producer of the Academy Award-winning foreign language film "A Separation"
• Morgaine Pettit: Lead singer-songwriter for the rock band Big Block
• Eric Pettit: Canadian Olympic swimmer
• Debbie Pettit: Organ and brass instructor at several universities throughout Canada
• John Pettit: method actor and vocalist for the heavy metal band Hellraiser
• Paul Pettit: Emmy-winning director for his work with the television series "House of Cards"
• Danielle Pettit: Missionary in the South Pacific, working with indigenous peoples

Other surnames

PettiPetticrewPettigPettigrewPettipoolPettipoolePettitt