Surname Petit - Meaning and Origin
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read morePetit: What does the surname Petit mean?
Petit is a French surname that translates to 'small' or 'little' in English. In many cultures, surnames were based on various factors such as one's occupation, place of residence, or even physical attributes. It is therefore likely that the surname Petit was originally bestowed upon someone of small stature or size. Through the course of time and migration, the name has spread to many parts of the world. Some variations of the name can be found as Pettit, Petitjean, Petiot, etc. Despite its meaning, this surname doesn't imply anything about the physical stature of those who bear it today.
Order DNA origin analysisPetit: Where does the name Petit come from?
The last name Petit is quite common today, particularly in France. Petit is derived from the French word for "small," and the French have used this as a surname since the Middle Ages. Early records indicate the name was borne by a family of Mont des Tournes in western France.
Today, the surname Petit is especially concentrated in the department of La Vendée in western France. Other than in France, it is also common in the French-speaking areas of Canada and in French-speaking countries outside of Europe, such as Haiti and the Congo. This is evidence of the French colonization efforts that took place during the 18th and 19th centuries, a period when many French immigrants were sent overseas.
In Europe, the surname Petit is especially common in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. A large number of people with this surname can also be found in the United States, England, and Germany – all countries connected to France via immigration and historical links. Beyond Europe, the name can also be found to a lesser extent in Central and South America, as well as in Australia and New Zealand, likely due to 19th and 20th-century immigration from western Europe.
Overall, the Petit surname is quite common throughout the world. With its long legacy in French society, it is likely to remain so for many generations to come.
Variations of the surname Petit
The surname Petit is primarily derived from the Old French word “petit”, meaning "small". It is thought to have been originally used to indicate a younger son, either of a noble or peasant family.
The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin of Petit include Petitjean, Le Petit, Petiteau, Petitot, Petito, Petiti, Petitot, Picot, Petie, Little, Pichette, Piche, Pichetto, Pech, Peccot, Peck, Peco, and Pey.
Petitjean is a variant of Petit and is derived from the diminutive “petit Jean”, meaning “little John”. It is often found as both Petitjean and Petijean. It is of French origin, and is primarily found in France.
Le Petit is a French surname, believed to be of locational origin, indicating that the original bearer either lived near a small town or had a name that referred to physical size.
Petiteau is also a French surname, derived from the diminutive “Petitot”, meaning “little”.
Petitot is a diminutive of Petit, meaning “little”, which is found in both France and Canada.
Petito is an Italian variant of the surname Petit and is found primarily in Italy and Corsica.
Petiti is also an Italian variation of the surname Petit and is found mainly in the regions of Tuscany, Sicily, and Calabria.
Picot is a French surname derived from the French term “Pic” which denotes a small, adorning object, often used in jewelry.
Petie is a French surname derived from the French “petitie”, which is a variant of Petit.
Little is an English surname derived from the Old English “Littel” meaning “little”.
Pichette is a French surname derived from the diminutive “pichet”, meaning “little pitcher”.
Piche and Pech are variants of Picot, and are found primarily in France and Canada.
Pichetto and Peccot are Italian variants of Petit, found mainly in the Italian regions of Lombardy, Veneto, and Piemonte.
Peck is an English variant of Petit, derived from the Old English “peac”, meaning “small”.
Peco is a Spanish variant of Petit, and is found mainly in the regions of Castile-La Mancha and Andalusia.
Pey is an Old French variant of Petit and is found mainly in the regions of Auvergne and Midi-Pyrenees in France.
Famous people with the name Petit
- Jean Petit: Jean Petit was a French theologian and politician who famously served as chancellor of France from 1388 to 1389.
- Johnny Petit: Johnny Petit is a French jazz guitarist and electronic music composer.
- Jérémy Petit: Jérémy Petit is a French former professional footballer who played as a defender for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain.
- Jeanne Petit: Jeanne Petit was an eminent French orchestral director, pedagogue, and composer in the art song style.
- Dominique Petit: Dominique Petit is a French photographer and contemporary artist famous for his large-scale photographs of cities around the world.
- Therese Petit: Therese Petit is a French watercolor artist known for her vibrant landscapes and seascapes.
- Jean-François Petit: Jean-François Petit is a French film and television actor, best known for his comedic roles in television series and films such as Le Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain and Aladin.
- Emilien Petit: Emilien Petit is a French former slalom canoeist who competed from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s.
- Charles Petit: Charles Petit is a French painter who specializes in impressionism.
- Jean-Francois Petit-Didier: Jean-Francois Petit-Didier is a French contemporary artist who began his career as a painter before becoming an engraver and sculptor.