Surname Pettys - Meaning and Origin

Pettys: What does the surname Pettys mean?

The surname Pettys has English origins and is believed to be derived from the location name, "Petty." The English word "petty" means "small" or "minor". Early recordings of this surname date back to the 13th century in Devonshire, England. The name was initially used to denote people who came from a place named Petty. However, as surnames evolved, the name Pettys might also have been a nickname for someone of small stature or lesser importance, or it could have been occupational, referring to a minor official or subordinate. It is important to note, as with many surnames, specific family histories may have different interpretations or origins.

Pettys: Where does the name Pettys come from?

The last name Pettys is a common surname throughout the English-speaking world. It is particularly prevalent in the United Kingdom and Ireland, where it is estimated that more than half a million people have the surname. According to the 1990 United States Census, Pettys is the 803rd most frequent surname in America. It is most common in the Southern states, such as Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

The origin of the name Pettys is uncertain, but it is thought to have originated in the Middle Ages from the Old English word "petig" meaning "small" or "petty." It may have first been used to describe a person of small stature, or it could have been a form of the word "petit" which was used to indicate that a person was a tenant farmer.

The Pettys surname is also used in a number of other countries, including Australia, Canada, South Africa, and New Zealand. The linked family names of Pettys and Pettey are also quite prevalent in the United States, indicating that the two names may be connected by a common ancestor.

Overall, the Pettys surname is one of the oldest and most common surnames in the English-speaking world, with roots in the Middle Ages. It's found throughout the United States and other countries, as well as in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Variations of the surname Pettys

The Pettys surname is of English origin, stemming from the Middle English word "petit", meaning "little". Variants of this surname include Petty, Pettee, Pettey, Pettie, and Petties. Variations in spelling the surname are not uncommon due to phonetic changes over time. Some of the more common variants of spelling include Petties, Pettey, Petee, Pettye and Pettee.

The surname Pettys can also be found with various suffixes which can affect the spelling and pronunciation of the surname. Examples of variants of the Pettys surname include Petitt, Petit, Petitjean, Petticus, Pettson, Pettman, Pettipher and Pettigrew.

In some cases, it is common for the Pettys surname to be combined with hyphen or double-barrel surnames. Examples of double-barreled surnames include Petty-Bull, Petty-Shaw, Petty-Hill, Petty-Peck and Petty-Wilkinson.

In addition to the various spelling variants, the Pettys surname has also been known to be used as a given name in some parts of the world. Examples of given name variants of the Pettys surname include Pettra, Petterson and Petterius.

In England, the Petteys surname is primarily found in the Midlands and Norfolk counties. In the United States, the Pettys surname is especially common in the Southern states, particularly Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi.

It is also common in Ireland, where it forms an important part of the history and culture of the country.

Famous people with the name Pettys

• Tom Petty: American singer, songwriter, and producer, known for his work with the Heartbreakers.
• Mike Petty: British politician and former member of the House of Commons.
• Richard Petty: American racing driver and seven-time NASCAR champion.
• Jane Petty: American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her appearances on Hee Haw.
• Jayne Petty: American artist and sculptor who explores ideas of loss in her work.
• Benjamin Petty: American painter best known for depicting southern landscapes.
• Adam Petty: the fourth-generation NASCAR driver from the Petty family.
• Stan Petty: American country music singer-songwriter.
• William Petty: 17th-century English philosopher, scientist, and economist.
• Anne Petty: American writer and illustrator, known for her children’s books.
• Jason Petty: American actor and singer with lead roles on Broadway, including as Johnny Cash.
• Brian Petty: American musician and actor from the heartland rock band the Junkyard Dogs.
• Charlyne Petty: American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her work in Hee Haw.
• Stanley Petty: English rugby league footballer, who played for the Leeds Rhinos in the 1970s.
• Pat Petty: American NASCAR driver from Nashville, Tennessee.
• Kelly Pettys: American actress and model, known for her appearances in major feature films.

Other surnames

PettyPettygrovePettypoolPettypoole