Petty Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Petty come from? What does the surname Petty mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Petty and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Petty Origin: What does the last name Petty mean?
The surname Petty has its origins in England, with the oldest recorded instances dating back to the early 15th century. The name likely derived from the Old French word "petit," meaning small or little. Over time, the Petty surname became associated with various individuals and families, including notable figures in politics, arts, sports, and more.
YourRoots data indicates that the Petty surname spread globally, with a significant presence in the United States from the 17th century onwards. While England has historical ties to the surname, the United States emerged as a hub for Petty family records. Today, the Petty surname can be found not only in the US and the UK but also in countries like Canada, Australia, Germany, and beyond, showcasing its widespread reach and diverse heritage.
Petty Last Name History: Where did the last name Petty come from?
Origin of Petty Surname: Where does the last name Petty originate from?
The oldest record of the surname Petty in the YourRoots database traces back to England in the early 15th century. It's crucial to note that this data is specific to the precise spelling of “Petty” in the YourRoots database, and it doesn't include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Petty: What does the Petty surname history look like in the early days?
Based on YourRoots data, the Petty surname maintained a strong association with England from the 15th to the 16th century. By the 17th century, however, the volume of records began to grow significantly in the United States, indicating a shift in the surname's prevalence. The Petty family records also appear in other countries during this time, suggesting early global spread.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Petty surname today?
The volume of records with the Petty surname saw a considerable increase in the United States from the 17th to the 19th centuries, surpassing England. Today, the Petty surname is prominently found in the United States, but it has also spread globally. YourRoots data indicates its presence in several countries including, but not limited to, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, France, and Germany.
Explore Petty last name heritage and Petty surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME PETTY
Famous People With Petty Surame?
Tom Petty
Thomas Earl Petty (Oct 20, 1950 – Oct 2, 2017) was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for leading the bands Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Mudcrutch, and the Traveling Wilburys. With hit singles like "Free Fallin'" and "I Won't Back Down," Petty sold over 80 million records worldwide. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, he was also honored as MusiCares Person of the Year in 2017. Petty's music continues to resonate with fans worldwide, showcasing his enduring impact on the rock music landscape.
Lori Petty
Lori Lee Petty (October 14, 1963 - ) is an American actress, director, and screenwriter known for her roles in iconic films such as "Point Break," "A League of Their Own," and "Tank Girl." She made her big screen debut in the comedy "Cadillac Man" and later joined the cast of the Netflix series "Orange Is the New Black." With a career spanning decades, Petty has showcased her versatility in both film and television, captivating audiences with her unique performances.
Richard Petty
Richard Lee Petty (born Jul 2, 1937) earned the nickname "the King" for his legendary career as a NASCAR driver. He holds records for most Cup Series championships, wins, poles, Daytona 500 victories, and more. Petty is a member of the inaugural class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame and remains active in the motorsport community. Beyond racing, he is known for his role in Disney/Pixar's animated films Cars and Cars 3. With a racing dynasty in his family, including his father Lee Petty and son Kyle Petty, Richard Petty is a true icon in the world of auto racing.
Kyle Petty
Kyle Eugene Petty (June 2, 1960 - Present) is an American former stock car racing driver and current racing commentator. He comes from a legendary racing family, being the son of racer Richard Petty and grandson of racer Lee Petty. Kyle had a successful NASCAR career, winning multiple races and finishing in the top ten in points standings. Aside from racing, he also worked as the CEO of Petty Enterprises. Kyle Petty continues to be a prominent figure in the racing world, known for his contributions both on and off the track.
Adam Petty
Adam Kyler Petty (July 10, 1980 – May 12, 2000) was an American professional stock car racing driver from the famous Petty racing family. He was the first fourth-generation athlete in modern American professional sports, driving in NASCAR Busch Series races. Despite his young age, Adam made a significant impact in the racing world before his tragic passing at just 19 years old. His legacy lives on through the Victory Junction Gang Camp, a charity founded in his honor, and his father, Kyle Petty, who continued to race in tribute to Adam.
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