Surname Marriott - Meaning and Origin

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Marriott: What does the surname Marriott mean?

The surname Marriott is of medieval English origin and is a patronymic form of the given name "Mary" along with the suffix "-ott" which is a diminutive indicating "little" or "son of". Therefore, Marriott could mean "little Mary" or "son of Mary". It has Tudor and Stewart royal associations, as it was used as an affectionate or familial nickname for those believed to have personal or familial connections with a Queen named Mary. The name was common in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire during the Middle Ages. The name's variant forms include Mariot, Marriot, Mariett, Marriatt, among others. This surname has interesting early recordings; one of the earliest bearers of this name was a certain Robert Maryet in the tax registers known as the "Feet of Fines" for the county of Lincolnshire in 1320. The dual spelling of Marriott/Marriott today indicates both the surname's varied history and the influence on the name by regional dialects, cultural shifts, and changing naming tradition over centuries. It is noted that many English surnames did undergo spelling changes to adapt to the new linguistic culture in the places people migrated to.

Marriott: Where does the name Marriott come from?

The surname Marriott is of English origin and its first recorded usage dates back to the 12th century in England. It is derived from the Old French personal names 'Maurice' and 'Marris'. The name has two possible meanings: 'sea power' or 'famous, bright, shining'.

One theory suggests the surname is habitational in origin from places like Marriot in Somerset and Marriott in Leicestershire. Individuals were often named after their place of residence, particularly as they moved to new areas. Thus, those who moved from Marriott towns might adopt the name and subsequently pass it on to their descendants.

Another theory points to the patronymic derivation of Marriott, meaning it's based on the name of a father or male ancestor. In this case, someone named Maurice would have a son named "Maurice’s Son," which would eventually be shortened to Marriott.

Today, the Marriott surname is still quite common in England, especially in the Eastern and Northern parts of the country. However, it has also spread across the globe due to migration and international mobility, and can be found in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Variations of the surname Marriott

The surname Marriott has several variants and variant spellings due to linguistic, geographic, and cultural differences. Some of these may include Mariott, Merriott, Marriot, Marriotts, Merritt, Merriett, Merrit, Markett, Meriet, Meriett, and Marrit.

Despite the different spellings, they each stem from the same origin. This surname is derived from the medieval personal name "Mary" or "Marie", and the suffix "-ot" or "-ett", which were used as a sign of affection. Therefore, 'Mariott' or 'Marriott' could potentially be translated to mean "Little Mary."

The surname may also have a Norman origin, as 'Meriet' is a place in Normandy. In this case, 'Marriott' could be an Anglicization of 'Meriet'.

In addition, there is also the possibility that this surname is connected to a location such as the village of Marriot in Somerset, England. The individuals who migrated from that area may have taken up the place name as their surname, a common practice during the Middle Ages in England.

Records of Marriott as a surname date back to the 11th century. It has spread to many different countries, adopting local variations and spellings as it has migrated.

Famous people with the name Marriott

• John Willard Marriott: An American entrepreneur and founder of the Marriott Corporation, which became one of the largest hospitality and hotel companies in the world.
• Richard Marriott: John Willard Marriott's son who serves as executive chairman of Host Hotels & Resorts.
• Kenneth J. Marriott: John Willard Marriott's grandson and chairman of Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
• Bill Marriott: Son of J. Willard Marriott and former chairman and CEO of Marriott International.
• Arne Sorenson: Current president and CEO of Marriott International.
• J. W. Marriott, Jr.: Current chairman and CEO of Marriott International.
• Matthew E. Rooney: William Marriott's son and current executive vice president and chief development officer of Marriott International.
• Tim Marriott: Former professional soccer player and former president of the Potomac Soccer Association.
• Ashley Banjo: English dancer, choreographer, and leader of dance group Diversity, who appeared as a judge on the ninth series of Britain's Got Talent.
• James Marriott: Founding editor of investigative journalism organization Platform London.

Other surnames

MarriotMarriotta