Surname Potters - Meaning and Origin
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Potters: What does the surname Potters mean?
The surname "Potters" is of occupational origin, deriving from the profession of the original bearer. It comes from the Old English term "pott", which means a pot or a vessel, implying that the first person who held this name likely worked as a potter. This profession involved molding clay and other materials to create utensils for various household uses. The "-er" denotes a person who is involved in a particular task, while the final "s" suggests descent or son of, as surnames were often bestowed upon sons in the medieval period based on their father's occupation. Hence, "Potters" may stand for 'sons of the potter' or 'descendants of the potter'. The fact that this name is found in different regions and countries indicates the widespread need and appreciation for the potter's craftsmanship in historical societies. It is important to note that surnames can have different derivations and several interpretations, so their meanings may vary between different families bearing the same name.
Order DNA origin analysisPotters: Where does the name Potters come from?
The last name Potters is most commonly found in countries in the western world, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. According to the World Names Profiler, the top 5 countries with the most Potters are the United States (70,769 Potters), Canada (10,500 Potters), England (8,904 Potters), Scotland (3,575 Potters), and Australia (2,440 Potters).
The United States is the country with the most number of people named Potters with a total of 70,769 citizens. According to information gathered by the US Census Bureau in 2020, the states with the highest number of Potters are Pennsylvania (8150 Potters), Ohio (5,630 Potters), Florida (5,390 Potters), Michigan (4,790 Potters), and New Jersey (4,350 Potters).
The last name Potters is also quite popular in England, Scotland, and Wales. A recent survey by the Office for National Statistics showed that in England and Wales combined, there is currently an estimated population of 8,904 Potters. Scotland, on the other hand, is estimated to have 3,575 Potters.
From these numbers, it is evident that the last name Potters is an increasingly popular surname in the world, especially in the western world. It is also likely to become increasingly popular as time progresses.
Variations of the surname Potters
The Potters surname has various variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Potter is also spelled as Poter/Pottier/Potier, Botter, Boetter/Boeter/Boter/Boterd, Putter, Puter, Putterer, Buttar/Butter, Botterman and Putterman.
Potter is derived from an occupation referring to a person who made or sold pottery. The term Potter likely comes from Old French, with the spelling variations arising from the regional variations of French dialects. The various spellings stem from the same origin, being a person who has engaged in the craft of making or trading pottery.
The variants Botter, Boetter/Boeter/Boter/Boterd denote an origin referring to someone who sold or put out barrels; Putter and Puter denote the meaning from the Dutch or German putten, referring to a person responsible for the collection of dues or someone who lived by a pool or pond; Similarly, Buttar/Butter refers to someone who sold or served butter, while Putterer likely indicated an occupational reference to someone who made putter or perhaps from Dutch or German putter meaning a small cup or mug; Lastly, Botterman and Putterman are occupational surnames for someone who traded barrels or mugs, respectively.
In summary, the Potters surname has various variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, all ultimately deriving from the occupation of making or selling pottery. The various spellings, stemming from the regional variations of French dialects, denote an occupation. For example, Botter and Boetter/Boeter/Boter/Boterd denote an origin referring to someone who sold or put out barrels; Putter and Puter denote the meaning from the Dutch or German putten; while Putterer likely indicated an occupational reference to someone who made putter or perhaps from Dutch or German putter meaning a small cup or mug. Lastly, Botterman and Putterman are occupational surnames for someone who traded barrels or mugs, respectively.
Famous people with the name Potters
- Helena Bonham Carter: British actress and former partner of director Tim Burton.
- David Potters: Dutch sculptor, painter, and printmaker.
- Hayden Potter: American MLB pitcher for the Atlanta Braves
- Dan Potter: Lead design at Performance Design Works
- Harry Potter (fictional character): The main character from the eponymous book and film series of the same name.
- Kenneth Potters: British soldier and former Victoria Cross recipient.
- Judi Potters: British actress best known for her role as Assumpta Fitzgerald in the hit British TV show "Ballykissangel".
- Robbie Potter: Former American baseball player and one-time Major League Baseball All Star.
- Mark Potter: Scottish author, lyricist, composer and musician.
- Gillian Potters: British television presenter.