Surname Petreit - Meaning and Origin
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Petreit: What does the surname Petreit mean?
Petreit is an old German surname. Its origin is thought to be derived from the Latin word petra, meaning "rock". It is thought to be a locational name, referring to a homestead or settlement upon a rocky hill or cliff. Additionally, the surname could be a "patronymic" which means it is derived from the given name of the father of the original bearer.
The name Petreit can be found in Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. The earliest records of the name date back to the 13th century in Germany, where the name was found in an old Latin manuscript. The spelling of the name is recorded from multiple spellings variants such as Petri, Petre, and Petreit.
The surname Petreit is most commonly found in Germany, where it is still widely used today. The surname is recorded in Germany census records as early as 1705. In the 19th century, it was a fairly popular surname, with many individuals bearing the name being influential members of society. The descendants of the original bearers of the name still exist today, and the name is still used by numerous families.
Order DNA origin analysisPetreit: Where does the name Petreit come from?
The last name Petreit is common in Germany, particularly in Bavaria. It originated in Bavaria as a variant of the surname Petritsch. Another connection to Germany is the province of East Prussia, which is now part of modern Russia. In the late 19th century, the Petreit family that originally hailed from East Prussia immigrated to Germany.
Today, Petreit is quite uncommon outside of Germany and is found primarily in southern and central parts of the country. In the United States, the name can still be found in Pennsylvania. Records indicate that members of the Petreit family settled in Pennsylvania in the 1600s.
Petreit may also be found in Austria, Alsace-Lorraine, and other parts of Central Europe. Its prevalence in those countries may be attributed to the Petreit family who moved to those areas after leaving East Prussia in the late 19th century. In France, the surname has also been found in the provinces of Alsace and Lorraine.
Given its German roots, the surname Petreit is likely most common in Germany and still carries cultural and historical significance within the country. It is a reminder of the German influence on the region and a testament to the Petreit family's legacy and contribution to the German cultural identity.
Variations of the surname Petreit
Petreit is a German surname that is derived from the word “petra” which means “rock”. This surname originated in the medieval period when people often adopted a surname based on the environment they lived in or the trade they practiced. The variants, spellings, and surnames of Petreit are:
Petreyt, Petrayt, Pearson-Petreit, Petretz, Petrich, Pettrich, Petrecht, Petrak, Petrick, Petrok, Pätrik, Petrautt, Petricka, Pettrah, Pietrajtis, and Petryshyn.
The Petreit surname may also have derived from a nickname, such as someone who was known for being stubborn or unmovable like a rock. This could explain why there are variations and spellings of the surname that have nothing to do with the meaning of “rock”. The surname may also have been derived from the same root as the Latin term “petra” but have evolved to become a unique surname.
Petreit is a common surname in Germany, and it has spread to other parts of the world in part because of migration and emigration. It is particularly popular in Central and Eastern Europe, where it can be found in countries such as Poland, Ukraine, Romania, and Russia. In America, Petreit can be found among individuals of German, Polish, and Russian descent.
Overall, the variants, spellings, and surnames of Petreit are diverse and widespread, showing that the surname has traveled with its bearers throughout Europe and North America. The origin of the surname, however, is thought to be German, derived from the word “petra”, meaning “rock”.
Famous people with the name Petreit
- Hans Petritsch: An Austrian diplomat and negotiator in conflicts in the former Yugoslavia.
- Benno Petritsch: An Austrian footballer who competed in the 1952 Summer Olympics.
- Ludwig Petreit: A German painter and sculptor of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Gabriel Petreitti: An Italian mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of algebraic geometry.
- Matthias Petreit: A Roman Catholic prelate who served as Bishop of Tournai from 1859 to 1877.
- Wilhelm Petreit: A German filesmith and painter who worked for the Imperial German Navy in the late 19th century.
- Adolf Petrieit: A German military officer who served during both World War I and World War II.
- Martin Petreit: A former football player in the Swiss Super League, most notably for Neuchâtel Xamax's.
- Gustav Petritsch: An Austrian illustrator who worked mainly on books and magazines.
- Karl Petreit: A German political activist and laborer who fought for the rights of his workers in the early to mid 20th century.