Pettit Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Pettit come from? What does the surname Pettit mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Pettit and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Pettit Origin: What does the last name Pettit mean?
The surname Pettit is of English origin and is derived from the Hiberno-Norman roots. Variants of the surname include Pettitt and Petitt. Records from the early 13th century in the United Kingdom show the initial appearance of the Pettit surname. The YourRoots database indicates a notable presence of the surname in the United States from the 16th century onwards, suggesting early growth and spread across the Atlantic.
Global data from YourRoots shows that the surname Pettit has become well-established in the United States, surpassing the United Kingdom in terms of record volume by the 17th century. Today, the Pettit surname is notably present in both the United States and the United Kingdom, indicating its widespread global reach. The YourRoots database reflects its presence in numerous countries around the world, showcasing the evolution and expansion of the Pettit surname over the centuries.
Pettit Last Name History: Where did the last name Pettit come from?
Origin of Pettit Surname: Where does the last name Pettit originate from?
According to the YourRoots database, the surname Pettit first appears in records from the United Kingdom around the early 13th century. It's important to note that this is based solely on records from YourRoots that precisely match the "Pettit" spelling and does not account for other potential sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Pettit: What does the Pettit surname history look like in the early days?
In its early history, the "Pettit" surname was strongly associated with the United Kingdom, showing a noticeable presence from the 13th through the 15th century. As per the YourRoots database, the volume of Pettit family records began to increase notably in the United States from the 16th century onward, suggesting early growth and spread across the Atlantic.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Pettit surname today?
By the 17th century, the surname Pettit had become well-established in the United States, even surpassing the United Kingdom in terms of record volume. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the "Pettit" surname is notably present in the United States and the United Kingdom, indicating its global spread. The YourRoots database reflects its presence in numerous countries around the world.
Explore Pettit last name heritage and Pettit surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Pettit Surame?
Donald Pettit
Donald Roy Pettit (April 20, 1955 -) is an American astronaut and chemical engineer known for his work in space exploration. Pettit has spent a total of 590 days in space and is NASA's oldest active astronaut as of 2025. He is famous for his orbital astrophotography and in-space inventions, such as the Zero G Cup. Pettit has been on multiple missions to the International Space Station, conducting experiments and capturing unique star trails. He also grappled the first SpaceX Dragon 1 to the ISS, marking a milestone in private spacecraft rendezvous with the station. Pettit's contributions to space science and exploration have been significant and impactful.
Bob Pettit
Robert Lee Pettit Jr. (December 12, 1932) is a legendary American former professional basketball player who played his entire career with the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks (1954–1965). Pettit was the first NBA player to win the Most Valuable Player Award twice and is still the only regular season MVP in the Hawks' history. Known for his scoring and rebounding, he is considered one of the greatest power forwards of all time. Pettit was a dominant force on the court, setting records and earning numerous accolades, including induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1970.
George Pettit
George Frederick Douglas Pettit (born Oct 2, 1982) is a Canadian musician known for being the lead vocalist of the post-hardcore band Alexisonfire and Dead Tired. Raised in Grimsby, Ontario, Pettit co-founded Alexisonfire at 17, gaining global recognition. In 2009, he married Megan, with whom he has a son. Aside from music, Pettit is a DJ, record collector, and firefighter. He has also collaborated with various bands like Cancer Bats and Monster Truck. Pettit's diverse music taste and TV appearances showcase his multifaceted career in the music industry.
Philip Pettit
Philip Noel Pettit (born 1945) is an Irish philosopher and political theorist known for his work on civic republicanism. He is the Laurance Rockefeller University Professor of Human Values at Princeton University and Distinguished University Professor of Philosophy at the Australian National University. Pettit has written extensively on political philosophy, including his influential book "Republicanism: A Theory of Freedom and Government." He has received numerous honors, such as being elected a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the British Academy. Pettit continues to be an active scholar and educator, shaping discussions on freedom, government, and ethics.
Steve Pettit
Stephen Davis Pettit, Sr. (born Nov 27, 1955) is an American Christian evangelist known for his work as the fifth president of Bob Jones University from 2014 to 2023. Pettit began his career as an assistant pastor before forming his own evangelistic association and later leading Cross Impact Ministries. During his tenure as president, the university achieved regional accreditation, regained tax-exempt status, and expanded its academic and athletic programs. After resigning in 2023, Pettit returned to evangelism and later became president of the Palmetto Family Council. He is also recognized for his musical talents on the mandolin and his devotion to spreading the gospel message.
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