Origin & Meaning of the Pettey Surname
What does the last name Pettey mean?
The surname Pettey carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,562 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Pettey ranks as the #17,896 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Pettey come from?
The Pettey surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Pettey name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Pettey trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Pettey |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #17,896 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,562 |
| Per 100K People | 0.53 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Pettey
According to the US Census, the Pettey surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,562 Americans with the Pettey last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 88.86% |
| Black | 6.08% |
| Hispanic | 1.54% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.51% |
| Native American | 1.22% |
| Two or More Races | 1.79% |
Popularity of Pettey Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Pettey surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Pettey surname increased by 90 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Pettey Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Pettey
- ✓ The Pettey coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Pettey families live today
- ✓ Notable Pettey bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Pettey
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Pettey.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Pettey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pettey
Top Surnames Starting with P
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter P, ranked by population.
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