Surname Preuit - Meaning and Origin

Preuit: What does the surname Preuit mean?

The last name Preuit is a German surname that is believed to have originated in the German region of Bavaria. The literal translation of Preuit is "priest," and the surname is associated with the pre-Reformation clergy of the area. It is possible that the surname was also given to secular magistrates, who often held priestly roles in their villages. The Preuit surname is also associated with Austria, though its origin there is uncertain.

In Germany, the Preuit surname was used as an occupational name to identify people associated with the Church. In early than century documents, there are references to a Johann Preuit, who was the dean and prebendary from the diocese of Passau in 1485. This suggests that there was a prominent family associated with the Church in Bavaria in the 15th century.

The Preuit surname is still common in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria today, though it is not especially common in the United States. In the 21st century, many people of this surname are believed to be descended from German and Austrian immigrants who settled in the early colonies of North America. It is a testament to the perseverance of the Preuits through centuries of religious and political unrest that their lineage has stood the test of time.

Preuit: Where does the name Preuit come from?

The last name Preuit is most commonly found in the United States and Canada and is of Dutch, German, or French origin. According to the US Census Bureau, the Preuit surname first originated in the Midwest region of the United States. It is also not uncommon to find Preuit individuals in the Northeastern U.S., particularly in New Jersey and New York.

In Canada, Preuit is a relatively rare surname, but it does have a presence in Ontario and British Columbia. Preuit individuals are also found in Australian states such as Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia.

In Europe, Preuit is found primarily in the Netherlands and Germany and is relatively uncommon elsewhere on the continent.

Preuit is most likely an adaptation of the surname Prieut, derived from the Dutch "knights of St. John," or proteges of the kings of France. This name is composed of two elements: the Dutch preu, "priest,” and heit, which means "state, condition, or rank." Over time, it has become more closely associated with the French word prieure, which means “priest.”

The name Preuit is not of a particularly high frequency in any of the countries in which it is found. However, it is interesting to note its prevalence in the United States and Canada when compared to other countries. This could be because Dutch immigrants were more likely to settle in North America during the 19th and early 20th centuries than in other regions of the world.

Variations of the surname Preuit

The surname Preuit has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. One of the most common variants of the surname is Prevett. This variant is found mainly in England and is derived from the Old French word preves, meaning “sharp and strong.” Other variant spellings of Preuit include Prevatt, Preeve, Prevost, Preveau, Previte, Previtte and Prevete.

The last name Preuit may also have French roots, as it is a variation of the name Preveau. This French version of the name is derived from the personal name Preve, which possibly came from the Old French term prefor, meaning “precious.” A variant spelling of Preveau is Prevault, which is thought to have originated in Normandy.

Other surnames derived from Preuit are Privett and Provoost. Privett is a patronymic name that originated in England, derived from the personal name Preve. Provoost is a Flemish name that may or may not have derived from the same root as Preveau.

The variants of the surname Preuit are varied and widespread throughout Europe, and many of their spellings are still in use today. As such, they are important to consider when researching one’s ancestry.

Famous people with the name Preuit

• Larenz Tate: popular American actor known for starred in feature films such as Menace II Society, Dead Presidents, Love Jones, and A Man Apart.
• Johnny Preuit: former professional American footballer, most famously remembered for serving as a Defensive Back with the Green Bay Packers.
• Rev. C. Oswald Preuit: renowned American pastor, considered a major leader in the Pentecostal movement during the early 20th century.
• Rudy Preuit: Dutch music producer, renowned for producing EPs and albums for various Dutch and international DJs.
• Kevis Preuit: American basketball coach and the first African-American head coach at the University of Nevada.
• Everett Preuit: former Major League Baseball pitcher, most especially remembered for playing for the Houston Astros from 1983 to 1985.
• Marie Preuit: French actress, who is best known for her roles in various French television series.
• Walker Preuit: American contemporary abstract Expressionalist painter, renowned for his use of painterly colors and dust infused textures.

Other surnames

Preuitt