Surname Kett - Meaning and Origin
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Kett: What does the surname Kett mean?
The last name Kett is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and is derived either from the Middle English pet or kat (which means "cat" in modern English) or from the Olde English cytta ("strong"). The first name may have originated in the area of Northamptonshire, England, where in the Middle Ages it was a popular name in the village of Kettering.
The meaning of Kett is unclear, but it is possible that the name Kett may be derived from an old English word meaning “the free people”, since it was a common name among the Anglo-Saxon population of England. Alternatively, the name Kett may have derived from a Norse name meaning “cat” or from the Celtic word for a chief (which is the same root as the surname Kettle), or even from the Old English word cytta meaning “strong”.
The name Kett is shared by many people in different areas of the world. In the United States, the surname Kett appears to be concentrated in the northeastern states, particularly in Massachusetts and New York. Ketts are also found in other parts of the world, notably in Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.
Kett is a forename that is often associated with strength, honor, and independent thought. It has been used by many prominent figures in history, including the legendary Irish fighter Fergus Kett, the Catalan explorer Joan Kett, and the Elizabethan playwright and linguist Roger Kett. Today, the Kett surname is still passed down through generations and is still held with a great deal of pride by many families.
Order DNA origin analysisKett: Where does the name Kett come from?
The last name Kett is most commonly found in northwest Europe, particularly Germany and England. There are also families with this name in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.
In Germany, the Kett surname has a strong history, especially in the Bavarian region. It is also quite common in Hannover, Thuringen, and Hessen. Kett families in Germany have been traced back to the 1400s.
In England, the name Kett is most commonly seen in the counties of Herefordshire and Suffolk. The name was popularized during the Norman conquest of Britain in 1066, with the de Kete family settling in Suffolk at this time.
In the United States, Kett is found mostly in the midwestern Midwest states of Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Indiana. The name first appeared in the United States in the 1840s and is recorded in Ohio census records from that time.
The name Kett is also present in Canada, Australia, and South Africa, although to a much lesser extent than in its core countries of Germany and England.
Overall, the name Kett is quite common in northwest Europe, particularly Germany and England. Its presence in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa also lends to its spread throughout the world.
Variations of the surname Kett
The surname Kett is believed to be of British origin, although there is some debate over this due to limited resources. It is also common in Ireland, likely as a result of migration from Britain. Kett is a patronymic surname, which means it is derived from the given name of a father or ancestor, usually with a prefix or suffix indicating “son of”.
Variants of Kett include Kette, Kettell, Kettles, and Kettlestone. These spellings are all thought to be derived from the same name, likely indicating a familial relationship between each branch of the Kett family tree.
Surnames that can be linked to this origin include Ketteringham, Ketteringham-Smith, Kettleson, Kettlestone, Keat, Keate, Keyt, and Kitt. These surnames arose due to dialectal differences in pronunciation and spelling of the original surname, and regional influences over the years.
The Kett surname still exists today, and there are many descendants in both Britain and Ireland who are proud of their family's heritage. Further research into the specific origins and earliest known uses of the surname can be done through genealogical records, which could provide insights into the exact origin of the Kett surname and its many variants.
Famous people with the name Kett
- Sean Kett, a Canadian singer and songwriter from Toronto
- Timothy Kett, an American physician and molecular biologist
- Stephen Kett, an American business magnate, investor, and philanthropist
- Jonathan Kett, an American glaciologist
- Kristen Kett, an American Founder & CEO of Forté, a leadership coaching firm
- William Kett, an American sculptor
- John Kett, a British landscape painter
- Zorica Kett, an Australian-Slovenian award-winning performed and playwright
- Daphne Kett, a British primatologist, writer, and conservationist
- Beatrix Kett, a Canadian-American physician and teacher