The interesting surname Petty has early medieval English and Scottish origins, derived from the medieval Anglo-Norman French term "petit," meaning small, an obscure and isolated word of "nursery" origin. It was used as a nickname for a small person, as seen in the record of Walter le Petitiit in the Wiltshire Assize Rolls of 1249, and also to distinguish the younger of two bearers of the same first name. The term was also used as an element in medieval surnames derived from personal, occupational, or nickname origins, such as Walter Petitclark (1304, Gloucestershire); John Petijohan (1327, Sussex); and John le Petit Smyth (1351, Essex).
The surname 'Petit' was first recorded in late 12th century England and can be found in various forms ranging from Petty and Pettie to Pe(t)it, Petyt, Pettitt, and Pittet. In Scotland, a certain Fergus de Pety was excommunicated in the parish of Fyvy in 1382, and Master Duncan Petit or Petyt served as the Archdeacon of Glasgow in 1395. The marriage of John Petty and Margaret Rogers was recorded in St. Dunstan's in the East, London, on June 22, 1568. A coat of arms granted to the Pettys of Warwickshire features a shield quarterly divided in gold and blue, with three gold martlets on a green bend.
The surname ‘Petty’ may have a local origin, with one instance being traced to Petty in the shire of Inverness. Individuals bearing the name 'Petty' in the United States have preferred the form 'Pettee.' The first recorded spelling of the surname dates back to 1198 with William Petie, during the reign of King Richard I.
One theory suggests that the Petty surname is a weak form of Petit. Another source suggests that the name is basically the same as Petit or Pettitt. The Petits were early settlers in Meath, and the primary Petty family was established in Co. Kerry in the 17th century.
In conclusion, the surname Petty has a rich and varied history with origins in medieval England and Scotland. Whether as a nickname or a locational reference, the name has evolved over centuries to encompass a range of spellings and forms, showcasing the diverse nature of surname development.
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2. Black, G.F. (1946). The Surnames of Scotland.
3. Harrison, H. (1912). Surnames of the United Kingdom.
4. MacLysaght, E. (1964). A Guide to Irish Names.
5. Smith, E.C. (1956). Dictionary of American Family Names.
6. Lower, M.A. (1860). Patronymica Britannica.
7. Barber, H. (1903). British Family Names: Their Origin and Meaning.
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Meaning of Petty
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