Surname Jarratt - Meaning and Origin
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Jarratt: What does the surname Jarratt mean?
The last name Jarratt is of English origin. The name is believed to derive from "geri," an Old German name that means "spear," and "hard," which means "brave and hardy." So, Jarratt could potentially mean "brave spear" or "hardy spear." Like many European surnames, it was likely originally a nickname or occupational name given to a person who was considered brave or who could wield a spear well, eventually becoming a family name. Most families with this surname are found in the United Kingdom, Australia, United States, and Canada. As with many surnames, there are variations in spelling, including Jarrett, Jarrott, Jarratt, Jarred, and others. Although it's not a common name, notable people with the last name Jarratt include Australian actor John Jarratt and British actress Lesley Jarratt.
Order DNA origin analysisJarratt: Where does the name Jarratt come from?
The last name Jarratt is of English origin and believed to have been derived from the medieval male personal name "Gerard" or from a place called 'Jarratt House' in East Yorkshire. The earliest ancestors traced with the surname include Robert Gerat, recorded in the Pipe Rolls of Norfolk in 1202, and Adam Jarrat in the 1379 Poll Tax Rolls of Yorkshire. Different variations of the surname over the years include Gerratt, Jerat, and Gerrat among others.
Even though the Jarratt surname has spread globally due to migration and diaspora, it is most commonly found today in the United States, England, and Australia. The name is particularly prevalent in the U.S. state of Virginia, where some members of the Jarratt family migrated during the 17th century colonial era. England, because of its historical connection as the origin of the surname, also registers a significant number of Jarratts.
Variations of the surname Jarratt
The surname Jarratt may have several variants and spelling versions often due to regional and country differences, personal preferences or errors in documentation. Some of these versions could include Jarrett, Jaratt, Jarrat, Jaret, Jarett, and Jerrett.
The surname might also be seen in combination with prefixes or suffixes, adding to the diversity of its variations. For example, O'Jarratt or Jarrattson.
Based on its possible origins from French (e.g., the French name "Gerard") or Old English (originating from personal names such as "Gearheard"), it could also have extensions and variety in other languages. For example, in French it might appear as Jarratte, Jarrade, or Jarrard, while in German it could be Gerhardt or Gehrhardt.
In terms of surnames of the same origin, it's likely linked to other names derived from "Gerard" or "Gearheard" such as Garrett, Gerrard, and Gerald.
Please note that while these are educated suggestions, the actual variations and origin surnames might differ based on individual family histories and migrations. For specific genealogical research, a professional service or genealogist assistance might be beneficial.
Famous people with the name Jarratt
- Bryan Jarratt: British actor, voice-over artist and writer, known for his roles in movies like "Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo"
- Rebecca Jarratt: British food writer and restaurateur
- Michael Jarratt: Australian professional rugby league footballer
- Peter Jarratt: English actor who appeared in productions like "Alfie" and "Brideshead Revisited"
- Paul Jarratt: English actor and film director
- Graham Jarratt: Former English cricketer
- Sir David Jarratt: Northern Irish barrister and judge
- Paul Jarratt: English professional sailor and navigator
- John Jarratt: Australian actor, known for his roles in films such as "Wolf Creek" and "The Last Outlaw"
- William Jarratt: American historian and Professor at the University of South Carolina