Surname Nesbutt - Meaning and Origin
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Nesbutt: What does the surname Nesbutt mean?
The last name Nesbutt is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and is thought to be a locational surname derived from the old English words “nes”, meaning head or brow, and “but”, meaning a steep hill or buttock. It is thought that the name referred to someone who lived in or near a headland or hilltop.
The name is also spelled Nesbitt, making it one of the variants of the same surname. The variant spellings are thought to have arisen as a result of regional dialects, where certain letters were replaced or omitted in order to accommodate the local accent.
The Nesbutt name is a proud one with deep historical roots, as befitting an old English family. Historically, the “butts” of a village were used for pasture and military exercises, so the name has a long association with medieval England.
In modern times, the name is common in England and Scotland, though there are also pockets of the surname in Ireland, Canada, and the United States. In particular, the name is common in the northeastern United States, in areas such as Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Today, it is likely that the name is used to honor ancestors, most likely those who were pioneers in the old world and loyal subjects in North America. It is a proud name with strong historical significance, a reminder of a past that still resonates throughout the English-speaking world.
Order DNA origin analysisNesbutt: Where does the name Nesbutt come from?
The last name Nesbutt is believed to be of English origin, and is still common today in the United Kingdom. Particularly in Wales and other areas of Great Britain with Norman heritage, the Nesbutt surname is strongly represented.
The Nesbutt name is derived from the Middle English term "nesbut", meaning "on account of the butt," which can mean both a store of supplies or a round target used in archery. As a result, it is thought to have originally been conferred as a nickname upon someone proficient at archery. Variations of the surname are found in many different countries around the world.
In the United States, the Nesbutt surname is not as common. However, with an estimated immigration of over 500,000 Britons to the U.S. alone since 1600, it is possible to find examples of the surname there. According to the US Census of 2000, there were approximately 856 people in the United States with that surname.
The Nesbutt surname has an interesting history and today continues to live on all over the world. Whether it be in the countries of its origin in the United Kingdom or in other countries throughout the world, this last name is still strongly represented.
Variations of the surname Nesbutt
The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Nesbutt can vary slightly. Nesbitt is likely the most commonly seen alternative spelling to Nesbutt. Other major variants include Nesbette, Nesbit, Nisbett, Nesbidd, and Nesbud.
A number of additional less common spellings have been found as well. These include Nesbudde, Nesbote, Nisbut, Nesbate, Nysbett, Nesbett, Nesbutte, and Nizbet.
Surnames of similar origin have also been found. These include Niblock, Niblo, Niblick, Niblett, Niblock, Nipple, Nibley, Niblogh, and Nibloe.
Some of these are more recent variant spellings, while others are much older. While many of the alternative spellings ended up becoming multiple, distinct surnames, a few variants remained closely linked to the original Nesbutt. Nesbitt, Nisbett and Nesbit are three examples of variants that are still actively used today, having remained closely linked to to the original Nesbutt surname.
In general, surnames that are of the same origin will usually fall into one of two categories: surnames that are different and unrelated, and surnames that are closely linked to one another, showing a common origin. Nesbutt fits into the second category, with many variant spellings and surnames that can be traced back to the same origin.
Famous people with the name Nesbutt
- Matthew Nessbutt, Welsh actor
- Isabelle Nesbitt, British illustrator
- Leo Nesbitt, British actor
- Jack Nesbitt, British footballer
- Andrew Nesbitt, British actor
- Matilda Nesbitt, English tennis player
- David Nesbitt, American musician
- Francis Nessbutt, British actor
- Arthur Nesbitt, British artist
- Bart Nessbutt, American comedian