Surname Pitkins - Meaning and Origin

Pitkins: What does the surname Pitkins mean?

The last name Pitkins is of English origin and is thought to be a habitational surname, derived from the ancient village of Pitkirtly in Fife, Scotland. While not common now, the surname is thought to have been relatively widespread during the Middle Ages.

The surname Pitkins is likely derived from the pre-7th century elements 'pet', which means a 'plot of land' or 'enclosure' and either 'hur' or 'kyrt', which are both ancient words for a marsh or boggy ground. This makes for an apt origin of the surname Pitkins, considering famed historical records state Pitkirtly was located on a stretch of marshy land.

Alternative theories of the meaning of the surname Pitkins have arisen over the years. 'Pet', it is thought, may also be related to the Olde English word 'pett', which means 'a path'. Therefore, the surname might indicate an individual who lived beside a path, or even a path-maker. Another possible derivation of Pitkins might be the Olde English personal name 'Pytt', meaning 'of a brave or courageous one', thus indicating a kinship with one of those believed to be brave.

Whether the Pitkins surname is derived from an ancient marshy location or from a personal name of old, its meaning and origin trace to a surprisingly distant past.

Pitkins: Where does the name Pitkins come from?

The last name Pitkins is common primarily in the United States today. It is most concentrated in the Midwest region, especially in the states of Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa. According to the 2020 US Census population estimates, Illinois has the highest population of people with the last name Pitkins, with 5,757 individuals bearing the moniker. Missouri follows with 3,308 and Iowa with 1,072.

The last name Pitkins is also popular in Michigan, with 778 individuals carrying the name, as well as Ohio, Wisconsin, and Texas, each with around 500 people having the name. It is relatively uncommon in the other states, but can still be found dispersed throughout the country.

The history of the Pitkins surname is a bit unclear, but it is most likely of English or Scottish origin. It is a variant of the name Pitkin, derived from the Old English term “petcoc”, which means “woodpecker”. The name was first recorded in England during the mid-17th century and has since spread all over the world.

Overall, the last name Pitkins is most common in the United States, particularly in the Midwest. It is likely of English or Scottish origin and has been in existence since the mid-17th century. Despite its relative rarity in certain parts of the country, it can still be found dispersed throughout the United States.

Variations of the surname Pitkins

The surname Pitkins has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Pitkins is usually spelled Pitkin or Pitkens. Some alternate forms include Pitkyn, Petkin, Pitkinne, Petkins, Pitten, Pitkinns, Pitkynnes, Pitkison, Pitkyns, Patkins, Patkin, and Patekies.

Pitkins is derived from either the Old French word picotin or from one of the various Old English personal names Pitca or Pica, all which have meanings relating to a small bird.

The surname has been recorded in Scotland as early as the 13th century, and has spread to many parts of the English-speaking world, including the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

In the United States, various anglicized forms of the name are spelled out for easier pronunciation. For instance, Pitkin is often spelled Pitkins, Patkin is often spelled Patkins, and Petkin is often spelled Petkins.

In some cases, the surname has been adapted in ways that alter its original spelling even further.Sometimes, Pitkins can be spelled Pittkins or Pirkins. Others may adapt or change their name to suit their particular cultural background or family heritage, such as Patken or Petkan.

Other similar surnames created from this root surname can be found all over the world. Yorkshire, England has many families who spell the name Pitken or Pitten, while Scotland has families that spell it Pitkinsin. Similarly, the variant Pitkyn is found in Ireland, and Pitkons in Lithuania.

The Surname Pitkins is found in every English-speaking country, in various spellings and forms. Despite its many variations, the surname’s origin remains the same and is an important resource for those researching their genealogical history.

Famous people with the name Pitkins

• Blake Pitkin: Actor and musician
• Brittany Pitkin: Singer and songwriter
• Gus Pitkins: Professional basketball player
• Hannah Pitkin: Historian and author
• Joe Pitkin: Reputed international entrepreneur
• Mark David Pitkin: International film producer
• Mya Pitkin: Television actor
• Reed Pitkin: Chief Operating Officer of a pharmaceutical company
• Reid Pitkin: Business leader, philanthropist
• Robert Pitkin: International basketball player
• Rodney Pitkin: Professional baseball player
• Roswell Pitkin: Business executive
• Travis Pitkin: Professional wrestler
• Tristan Pitkin: Theatre director and actor
• Tyler Pitkin: Controversial rapper
• Will Pitkin: Professional soccer player

Other surnames

Pitkin