Surname Percnett - Meaning and Origin
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Percnett: What does the surname Percnett mean?
The last name Percnett is of English origin; it is derived from the old French words 'perne' and 'et', which roughly translate to the English words 'prickly' and 'and', respectively. Consequently, the surname could be roughly understood to mean 'prickly and' or 'covered with thorns and'.
It is recorded that the earliest known use of the Percnett surname dates back to the early 15th century, when several people surnamed perne or perps were recorded as living in the English counties of Essex and Norfolk. During this time, such surnames were typically indicative of the family’s place of origin, rather than a specific family name.
The word perne itself is derived from the Old English word 'pyrne', which was used to describe a thorny bush or hedge. This may suggest that those bearing the Percnett surname may have come from a place that was surrounded by thorny plants and foliage.
The surname Percnett is exceedingly rare today, with only a few records of its use having been found. Nevertheless, its etymological origin provides an interesting insight into the historical context in which the surname was originally used. From this, it can be surmised that those bearing this name originally came from an area that was surrounded by prickly bushes and hedges, perhaps indicative of a scenic or rustic location.
Order DNA origin analysisPercnett: Where does the name Percnett come from?
Percnett is a surname often found in Belgium but the family can trace its origins back to Prussia in Germany. This family has spread around Europe, and there are now families with the Percnett surname on the continent and as far away as the United States.
In Belgium, the last name is most concentrated in Gent, which is a city in East Flanders, however, it is quite common in other places, including Antwerp and Limburg. In the United States, the name can be traced back to nearly 1700 when the first Percnett emigrated from Europe and settled in North America. Since then, the name has spread throughout the country, with individuals in states that include California, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington.
One of the largest concentrations of the Percnett name is in South Louisiana, a place with French colonial roots that reflect part of the family's European heritage. As the last name has spread all over the world, it is becoming more difficult to trace the original people who carried the name, and to find out where one may find it today.
Overall, due to the migration of Percnett families throughout Europe and North America, the last name is now more popular in the United States than it is in its original homeland of Prussia. It also appears to be more common in North America, with the largest concentration being in South Louisiana.
Variations of the surname Percnett
The surname Percnett has a variety of variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
The most common variants are Pernott, Pernat, Pernette and Pernut. Spellings of the name vary, with some common variations being Pirnett, Percnet, and Pyrnet.
The various surnames that are derived from Percnett include Perna, Pernaj, Pirnet, Pyrnet, Pernoot, Pernotta, and Pernatte. These names are most commonly seen in regions such as the United States, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
The surname Percnett is of French origin, and can also be found sporadically in countries such as Germany, Switzerland and Canada. It is believed to have originated in the Gaelic language, meaning “brave speaker”.
One can also find various changed and variant spellings of the name. These include Parnett, Pernatt, Pyrnett and Pernot.
Generally speaking, the name Percnett is believed to have been created in the twelfth century as an occupational name to describe a person who captured birds at a castle or estate. The name is ultimately derived from the Latin word “pirna”, meaning “sparrowhawk”.
Most likely, the people who originally carried this surname would have been found in rural, agricultural areas. It is possible that during the later migration of this surname, it could have been changed and adapted into different spellings.
Famous people with the name Percnett
- Chris Percival: British actor known for Doctor Who, My Family, and For the People.
- John Percival: British artist and sculptor.
- Andrew Percival: American actor and producer.
- Christopher M. Percival: British academic who specializes in English educational issues.
- W.A. Percival: British botanist, writer, and naturalist.
- William Percival: British triathlete who competed in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics.
- Victoria Percival: British cellist and pianist.
- Edmund Percival: British amateur footballer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Graeme Percival: British racing driver who competed in the 2007 British Touring Car Championship.
- Mark Percival: English rugby union player for the St Helens and England national teams.