Surname Prewitt - Meaning and Origin

My Journey into the Roots of Prewitt: How my iGENEA DNA Test Illuminated my Family Identity

Using the iGENEA DNA test, I uncovered the rich tapestry of my ancestry, tracing back to Celtic and Germanic tribes, and shedding new light on the surname Prewitt. It has reshaped my perception of my family identity, embedding a deeper appreciation for my lineage, and instilling a sense of global interconnectedness.

B. Prewitt

Prewitt: What does the surname Prewitt mean?

Prewitt is a surname of Old French origin and it is a variant of the name Pruitt, itself derived from a nickname from the Old French word 'prud', meaning 'brave' or 'valiant'. The term was probably attached to a person who was known to be exceptionally courageous or daring to signify their traits. Being a nickname that later transitioned into a surname, Prewitt might have been assigned to more than one person, eventually creating numerous unrelated families with this surname. Like most early surnames, it was formed during a period when former residents or migrants often took the name of their place of origin, or could have been derived from trade or occupation of the original bearer. In the Middle Ages, it was common to be known by a single name, and as the population increased, people began to adopt secondary names to avoid confusion. Introduction of personal taxation in England, known as Poll Tax, is another reason why people began to use secondary names.

Prewitt: Where does the name Prewitt come from?

The last name Prewitt is largely found in the United States today, with some instances of it seen in the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand.

In the US, the last name is most commonly found within the southern states. Specifically, Prewitt is most prominently associated with the states of Kentucky and Tennessee. This is because the name has been a prominent part of the Appalachian region since the late 1700s. It is believed that the name was brought over from Scotland or Ireland, with some instances showing up in Virginia and the Carolinas.

Other areas where Prewitt is seen somewhat frequently include Arizona, Mississippi, Missouri, and Virginia, although the concentrations have started to wane per the most recent census data.

Interestingly, the surname is almost non-existent in the Midwest and New England regions, besides the occasional presence in Wisconsin.

In conclusion, the last name Prewitt is most commonly seen in the southern regions of the United States, with some instances observed in the UK, Canada, and New Zealand.

Variations of the surname Prewitt

The surname Prewitt has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Some of the most common variations of the surname include Prewit, Pruett, Pruet, Pruitte, Pruitt and Pruette. Other less common variations include Preswitt and Prewett. The Prewitt surname is believed to have first appeared in various countries such as England, Ireland, Scotland, and Germany. Its ultimate origin has not yet been confirmed but is likely to be of Anglo-Saxon or Germanic origin.

In England, the Prewitt surname appeared as early as the 11th century amongst the Normans when William Prewit was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Likewise, the surname is documented in Scottish records in the early to mid- Renaissance period. Most famously, William Prewet was listed in the Charter of Glasgow during 15th century Scotland.

In Ireland, Prewitt was a common given name but did not emerge as a surname until the 17th century when English and Scottish settlers migrated to the region. The most common spelling of the surname in Ireland is Pruett, which is derived from the French pronunciation of the name.

The surname Prewitt is also believed to have Germanic roots, with the original spelling being probably 'Preuss' or 'Bruess'. Although these spellings are less common, records suggest the presence of Pröwn or Pruéen in the Middle Ages.

Additionally, due its multiple origins, Prewitt is also a common surname in many other countries including Australia, the United States, Canada and South Africa.

In total, there are numerous variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Prewitt, however, the ultimate origin of the surname remains a mystery - although it is widely believed to have Anglo-Saxon or Germanic roots.

Famous people with the name Prewitt

• Mary Prewitt: American Olympian and Sabre Fencer who won a bronze medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.
• Chad Prewitt: Professional Rider who currently competes in the USA Supercross and Arenacross Championships.
• William Prewitt: American actor, most known for his role as Jack on the television series The Big Bang Theory.
• Karl Prewitt: Singer, songwriter and producer for the folk duo, The Prewitt Brothers Band.
• Kenny Prewitt: Country Music Hall of Fame inductee and member of the legendary group The Oak Ridge Boys.
• Steve Prewitt: US Army Veteran and former Superintendent of the Quantico Marine Base in Virginia.
• Steve Prewitt: Head coach of the University of Central Arkansas women's basketball team from 2010-2015.
• Sarah Prewitt: Foundation board member for the Surviving Breast Cancer Foundation and advocate for breast cancer awareness.
• Mike Prewitt: Director of U.S. Government Relations for The Coca-Cola Company.
• Gene Prewitt: former Major League Baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves.

Other surnames

PrewiettPrewit