Surname Pettypool - Meaning and Origin

Pettypool: What does the surname Pettypool mean?

The last name "Pettypool" appears to have English origins, although it is quite rare and its exact meaning is not well-documented. Breaking down the name, "Petty" is derived from the French "petit" meaning "small", while "pool" likely refers to a body of water. The name could potentially identify those from a small pool or pond, suggesting a geographical origin. Another interpretation might be a job-related origin, possibly referring to people who maintained or worked near small bodies of water. Surnames like this evolved from a need to distinguish people with the same first names in smaller communities. However, without more specific historical and genealogical research, it's impossible to give an exact meaning for the last name "Pettypool."

Pettypool: Where does the name Pettypool come from?

The last name Pettypool is quite common in parts of the United States, especially in areas with a long history of families with English heritage. It is prevalent in several of the southern states, including Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, as well as in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Kentucky, and Tennessee. In addition, it is found in sizeable numbers in other parts of the United States, particularly in and around New York City, and in Nebraska.

In the United Kingdom, the last name Pettypool has origins in the areas of Cheshire, Derbyshire, and Warwickshire. It is found mostly in the more densely populated county centers and around Nottinghamshire in addition to a few locations in Northamptonshire. It is most common in Scotland and Ireland, particularly in Ireland’s Northern Province. The name can also be found in parts of Australia, though it is far less prevalent compared to the United States and the United Kingdom.

Certain branches of the Pettypool family can also be traced back to Langdou, France, Holland, Germany, and Denmark. Furthermore, Pettypool is an uncommon last name even in the countries it is associated with, and as such, it is not found all over the world.

Variations of the surname Pettypool

The Pettypool surname has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These variants and spellings include Petteypoole, Pettipool, Pettipoole, Pettipoold, Pettipole, Pettippole, Petteypoole, Pettipoul, Pettipoolen, Pettypole, Petipole, Pettipoley, Pettipold, and Petipool.

The variants and spellings of Pettypool can be traced to the Middle English period where the surname derives from the Old English personal name Peta. This pet form of Peter was used as a nickname for people in the Middle Ages, and could have referred either to someone’s father or someone who displayed characteristics or behavior reminiscent of the Biblical Peter. Over time, this pet form became Pettypool.

Another source of the surname ‘Pettipool’ is the French version of the same name ‘Petitpouill’. This French version was more popular with people in the area of Normandy, and was likely adopted by individuals who traveled from Britain to the area in the late Middle Ages.

Regardless of the origin, the Pettypool surname has remained popular throughout England and much of Europe, and is still used today in both its original form and various other variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.

Famous people with the name Pettypool

• Eric Pettypool: Musician, song producer, engineer, graphic designer, and entrepreneur.
• Dwight Pettypool: Three time Pro Bowl defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1970s and '80s.
• Casper Pettypool: Professional NBA basketball player who competed for two teams, the San Antonio Spurs and the Boston Celtics, in the 1980s.
• Roderick Pettypool: Three-time All-American football player for the University of Arkansas in the 1990s and 2000s.
• Daryl Pettypool: Professional baseball player who pitched for seven seasons in the majors, including stints with the Cleveland Indians, Houston Astros, and San Francisco Giants.
• Steve Pettypool: Professional golfer who had a successful career on the PGA Tour, winning three times.
• Barbara Pettypool: Screenwriter and film producer who was responsible for three successful films in the early 1980s.
• Richard Pettypool: Professional race car driver who won seven NASCAR Cup Series championships in the 1960s and 1970s.
• Fred Pettypool: Award-winning Broadway lyricist and author of numerous musicals.
• Anna Pettypool: Broadway actress, singer, and dancer who appeared in dozens of musicals and films throughout her career.

Other surnames

Pettypoole