Surname Poythress - Meaning and Origin
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Poythress: What does the surname Poythress mean?
The last name Poythress is a surname of English origin, though it is considered fairly uncommon. The name is believed to be geographical, deriving from place names in England. It is composed of the Middle English words "poynte", meaning point, and "riz", meaning small hill or ridge. Thus, it could signify someone who lived near a pointed hill or ridge. The lineage traces back to ancient Anglo-Saxon culture in Britain. Given the custom during the Middle Ages to identify a person by their locality, Poythress may well have been adopted as a surname to identify individuals from a particular area. However, like many surnames, its exact origin is speculative and can vary based on the family lineage.
Order DNA origin analysisPoythress: Where does the name Poythress come from?
The surname Poythress is of English origin, first found in Yorkshire where they were believed to be seated since the year 1066. It's derived from the old English name "Pudoc," indicating a person who lived in a marshy area or cavern. The name was first recorded in the Domesday Book as Pudoc's Rock. The family later migrated to various European territories and the New World over the centuries.
In the present day, the surname Poythress is not very common. The majority of the people with the Poythress surname are found in the United States. However, like many surnames, it is likely to be found sprinkled around the world, especially in English-speaking countries, due to emigration and the influence of the British Empire. In the US, it can be found concentrated in the southeastern states like Virginia and North Carolina. Some notable people with the surname include American professional basketball player James Poythress and American law professor G. Edward Poythress.
Variations of the surname Poythress
The surname Poythress is of English origin. The name is believed to have been derived from the Old French word "puit", meaning "well", and "dresse", which means "constructed" or "erected". Other sources suggest it could have come from the Middle English term "poither", signifying a person from Poitiers, a city in Western France.
Due to the nature of its origins and how names have been spelt differently throughout history due to variations in pronunciation, handwriting, and translation, the surname Poythress may have several alternate spellings and variations. These could include Poitress, Pythress, Puithress, Poitiers, Puyters, Poyter and Poytres.
Additionally, it's interesting to note that some variants could be related to geographical locations or marital ties. For instance, the surname Poythress could possibly be connected to the surname Poitiers, from the city in France.
However, as with most surname studies, concrete evidence is required to make definitive connections between these variants. It's recommended to use genealogical resources and historical documents to deepen the understanding of a surname's origin and variation.
Famous people with the name Poythress
- Alex Poythress: An American professional basketball player who has played in the NBA for various teams including the Philadelphia 76ers and Atlanta Hawks.
- Kayla Poythress: A notable American artist and wife of basketball player Alex Poythress, she is known for her art exhibits and for her community work in her native Detroit.
- Kenny Poythress: A Grammy-nominated songwriter known for his country music.
- Preston Poythress: A notable American businessman in the restaurant industry; he is the founder of the fast-food chain, "Church's Chicken".
- Jim Poythress: An American author known for his novel "The 14th Denial" among others.
- Jerry Poythress: A notable American in the racing field, having a successful career as a NASCAR driver. Please note that the popularity and recognition levels of these individuals may vary, and some may be more locally recognized than internationally.