Surname Peet - Meaning and Origin

Peet: What does the surname Peet mean?

Peet is a patronymic surname of Dutch origin and is derived from the personal name Peter. This name comes from the Greek "Petros" meaning "rock" or "stone," and was extremely popular in medieval Europe due to its association with St. Peter, the apostle who is considered by many as the founder of the Christian Church. The Dutch form of Peter is "Petrus", often shortened to "Piet" which evolved into "Peet". However, some believe that in some cases, the surname "Peet" may also be of English origin, derived from the old English pre 7th Century word "pett" meaning "pit, hollow or pool". The term was used to describe someone who lived near a significant pit or hollow. As such, the surname "Peet" could be either topographic for someone who resided near a pit or hollow, or it could be occupational for someone who worked at such a location. Therefore, the name represents a connection either to a notable figure, a geographic landmark or a certain profession.

Peet: Where does the name Peet come from?

The surname Peet is of Dutch origin, derived from the personal name Peter. The name Peter comes from the Greek name Petros, meaning "rock". Peet specifically is a diminutive form of Peter, much like Pete in English; the extra 'e' signifies the Dutch influence in its etymology.

This surname frequently appeared in early church records and municipal documents in Holland, suggesting its prominence in the region's history. Immigrants from Holland may have brought the surname to other parts of the world. Today, it can be found in various countries like the United States, England, and Australia. According to surname distribution data, Peet is most common today in England, especially in the county of Yorkshire followed by the United States and Australia. It's important to note that the actual number of Peets may be fairly distributed throughout these countries, without necessarily representing a large percentage of the population in any one place due to its relatively uncommon status.

Variations of the surname Peet

The surname Peet is of English origin, deriving from the personal name Peter. Various alterations and versions of this name have emerged over the years within different cultures and regions. Some variants include Peat, Peet, Peate, and Pate. The surnames Pett and Pitt can also have similar origins.

In the north of England and Scotland, due to differences in pronunciation, the surname can also appear as Peart, Pert, and Pirt. Some other variant spellings include Peett, Peatman, and Peatling.

Sometimes this surname is combined with other names to form double-barreled surnames such as Peet-Smith or Peet-Johnson.

Spellings and pronunciations may also change depending on different languages such as Piet in Dutch, Pied in French, or Pietro in Italian.

The variations in the surname Peet highlight the cultural and regional differences that impact names over centuries. Even with these changes, most versions of this surname can be traced back to similar roots.

Famous people with the name Peet

• Amanda Peet: Actress and Screenwriter.
• Alison Peet: Model and Singer.
• Karl Peet: Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to India.
• Jane Peet: President and CEO of Leadership for Educational Equity.
• Bill Peet: Illustrator, Writer and Film Animator.
• David Peet: British Business Executive.
• Kirsten Peet: Danish Fashion Model.
• Hannah Peet: British Actress.
• John Peet: British Political Editor of The Economist.
• Betty Peet: American Author and Children’s Bookseller.
• Elisabeth Peet: Dutch Artist and Writer.
• Joshua Peet: American Fashion Designer.
• Mark Peet: Founder of Peet & Company.
• Manuel Peet: Dutch Entrepreneur, Investor and Writer.
• Zachary Peet: Professor of Law at Northwestern University.

Other surnames

PeeblerPeeblesPeedellPeedenPeedinPeekPeelPeelePeelenPeelerPeelingPeellePeeperPeeplesPeerPeersPeesPeestPeetersPeeterß