Surname Prettyman - Meaning and Origin
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Prettyman: What does the surname Prettyman mean?
The surname Prettyman is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from pre-7th century Old English elements. This surname is a compound of two words "prættig" , meaning clever, cunning, or crafty, and "mann" meaning man. Therefore, it translates roughly to "Cunning Man" or "Crafty Man".
In the Middle Ages, it was common for people to be known by their trade, locality, or personal characteristics, which became their surname. Thus, a person named Prettyman could have been known for their craftiness or cleverness. However, the interpretation could also be positive, indicating a man who is clever in his profession or vocation.
Its early recordings suggest it may have initially been a nickname for a trickster or someone who was particularly clever in dealing with others. It's also possible that it was used ironically for someone who was the opposite.
As with all surnames, it's important to note that many factors, including local dialects and changes in language over time, can influence the meaning and usage of a name. Thus, the interpretation of the surname Prettyman may vary.
Order DNA origin analysisPrettyman: Where does the name Prettyman come from?
The last name Prettyman is most commonly found in the United States today. According to the US census bureau, it was the 364th most common surname among Americans in 2000. It is particularly concentrated in the mid-atlantic states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware.
In Pennsylvania, the last name Prettyman is ranked 86th, with 4,649 citizens sharing it in 2000. The most populous counties included Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery, and Berks. In fact, Pennsylvania alone accounts for nearly a quarter of all those sharing the Prettyman name throughout the U.S.
In New Jersey, the name is ranked 232nd and found in all twenty-one counties. The most common counties include Somerset, Ocean, Monmouth, and Burlington.
Maryland ranks 177th with slightly fewer Prettyman-bearers: 2,129. The most populous counties were Montgomery, Prince George’s, Charles, and Anne Arundel.
Delaware ranks 163rd, with 1,743 Prettymans in the state in 2000. It is primarily found in New Castle, Kent, Sussex, and Worcester County.
Prettyman is also found in other states, albeit in much lower numbers. The surname is typically found in small towns, rural areas, and suburban neighborhoods.
Variations of the surname Prettyman
The surname Prettyman has several variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The variant spelling of Prettyman is Pritman, Pratman, Prittman, Pratman, and Prittman. These spellings may all be used interchangeably.
The Prettyman surname is believed to have originated in Cornwall, England. It is a topographic surname and often refers to a person who lives on or near a hill or ridge. Its original spelling in the Cornish language is Pred-man, which means “hill man”.
The surname Prettyman can also be found in other countries as Pridman, Pridian, Pritman and many more. This could be due to migration to other countries or marriage between families of different surnames.
The surnames Pritchard, Pridmore, Primrose, and Priddy are all related to Prettyman, as they also have their roots in Cornwall, England.
Prettyman is also believed to have been derived from the Latin word “praeda” or “praetor”, meaning “captain” or “leader”. This could also explain why the surname is found in various countries and in different forms.
No matter the spelling, the surname Prettyman is rooted in Cornwall, England and indicates someone who is a leader or who lives on a hill.
Famous people with the name Prettyman
- Tristan Prettyman: singer/songwriter
- Leanne Prettyman: beauty influencer
- Brand Prettyman: chef and television host
- Kirsty Prettyman: make-up artist
- Jimmy Prettyman: actor
- Hamilton Prettyman: YouTuber
- Harriet Prettyman: poet
- Mark Prettyman: soccer player
- Mary Prettyman: musician
- Daphne Prettyman: blogger