Origin & Meaning of the Pettit Surname
What does the last name Pettit mean?
The surname Pettit 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 19,004 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Pettit ranks as the #1,892 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Pettit come from?
The Pettit 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 Pettit name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Pettit 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 | Pettit |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,892 |
| US Count (2010) | 19,004 |
| Per 100K People | 6.44 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Pettit
According to the US Census, the Pettit surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 19,004 Americans with the Pettit last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.15% |
| Black | 2.84% |
| Hispanic | 2.53% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.66% |
| Native American | 1.12% |
| Two or More Races | 1.72% |
Popularity of Pettit Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Pettit surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Pettit surname increased by 351 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other European Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pettit
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