Surname Pretory - Meaning and Origin

Pretory: What does the surname Pretory mean?

The last name Pretory is an English surname of possible Norman origin. The name is typically said to be derived from the French-Norman word "Prétorie", which referred to an official appointed by a king. The English variant of the word is "Praetor". This gives the portmanteau "Pretory", meaning a person who holds an official or authoritative ranking or who can govern or lead others.

Throughout history, Pretory has been a fairly uncommon last name with a number of different spellings. It has been recorded as Prettorie, Petator, Pretorice, Pretorye, Praetorix, Prettori, Praedorie and Pretorius, among others.

As its history suggests, the most common meaning of the surname Pretory is “king’s official”, and those bearing the name throughout its long history would likely have held a high social ranking. It's commonly used in combination with other high-ranking names, such as King, Duke, Earl, or Baron. This suggests that individuals associated with the name are among some of the oldest and most influential families of British descent.

Having origins that reach deep into the realm of royalty, Pretory is a valuable last name that has been passed down for centuries. It is a meaningful parallel of success that can be traced back to a long line of noble blood and high station.

Pretory: Where does the name Pretory come from?

The last name Pretory is most commonly associated with members of the French Pérotry clan, who were a prominent family of mid-19th century settlers in France. The name is still common in French-speaking regions, especially in the region of Brittany, where the family originated.

The most likely origin of the name is a combination of two words in Breton – the language spoken in parts of Brittany. The first word, 'pé', is thought to mean 'person' or 'people', and is combined with the word 'troi' or 'troy', which means 'warrior'. The combination of these two Breton words, Pétroy, was eventually shortened to form the last name Pretory.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, members of the Pérotry family played an important role in French social and professional life. Charles-François Lucifer and Pierre-Joseph Pretory were both members of the National Assembly in the 19th century and their brothers, François, Louis and Claude, joined the chamber of commerce during the 19th century.

In the 20th century, the family continued to be successful in business and endeavours, and the name Pretory can still be found in collections of French notaries, bankers, and doctors, among other professions.

As a result of the Pérotry's travels, the name Pretory is also found in other parts of Europe, such as Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands, and Italy, as well as in parts of Canada and the United States.

Variations of the surname Pretory

The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Pretory are multiple. This is because the surname is ultimately derived from the Latin word praetor, which means governor or magistrate.

The most common version of the surname is Pretory. Variants of this spelling include Preatory, Pretry, Preterey, and Pretorry.

Variants of the surname "Pretory" with different spellings are Preetory, Pritory, Prittory, and Prietory. Variants with slight spelling alterations can include Preatery, Pretry, and Pretrary.

Alternate surnames of the same origin include Pretori, Pretoria, Pretor, Pretoriu, Pretorius, and Pretorino. Other surnames of the same origin include Pritorius, Pritcher, Pritchett, Pridmore, and Priestley.

The Pretory surname can also be found in multiple languages and regions. Variants in Italian include Pretore, Praetore, Praetori, Pretorino, Pretorio, and Pretoro. There are also German variants such as Preitor, Prittch, and Präter.

In France, the surname is spelled Prétor, Préteur, Préteaux, Prétoire, and Prétey. In Spanish, it is spelled Preitor, Pretorio, and Pretore.

In Scotland, it is spelled Praitor, Prett, Prate, and Prat.

Overall, due to the diverse origins and spellings of the surname Pretory, there are many possible variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin to choose from.

Famous people with the name Pretory

• Yolonda Pretory: Canadian professional tennis player.
• Curtis Pretory: American high school quarterback.
• Skye Pretory: American professional wrestler.
• Blaise Pretory: French classical music composer.
• Nigel Pretory: British actor and comedian.
• Addison Pretory: American singer and songwriter.
• Charlotte Pretory: German professional soccer player.
• Leonor Pretory: Spanish fashion designer.
• Lavender Pretory: American model and entrepreneur.
• Riley Pretory: Canadian fashion icon and philanthropist.
• Victoria Pretory: Mexican singer and actress.
• Cierra Pretory: Australian professional surfer.
• Benedict Pretory: Italian composer and conductor.
• Siona Pretory: Greek-American filmmaker.
• Bruno Pretory: American classical conductor and pianist.
• Ashton Pretory: South African professional cyclist.
• Alixe Pretory: French soprano opera singer.
• Diana Pretory: Spanish painter and sculptor.
• Nontokozo Pretory: Zimbabwean social media mogul.
• Tai Pretory: American stage actor and Broadway singer.
• Ferzin Pretory: Indian civil rights leader.
• Edmond Pretory: British award-winning documentary filmmaker.
• Easter Pretory: Jamaican Olympic figure skater.
• Philip Pretory: American football executive.
• Vaughn Pretory: Canadian professional snowboarder.

Other surnames

PretorPretorius