Surname Vatterot - Meaning and Origin

Vatterot: What does the surname Vatterot mean?

The last name Vatterot originated during the medieval period in France. It is derived from “Vateau,” which is an old French term that was used to refer to a dedicated guard or attendant. Over time, the name was eventually shortened to Vatte, and then later to Vatterot. It is thought that individuals with this surname are descended from a line of gatekeepers or other officials who guarded towers and castles during the Middle Ages.

The surname Vatterot is considered to be a habitational name, as it originates from a place name. It is more specifically considered to be a French topographic name that would identify a person who lived near one of the many ancient fortifications or towers in the region. In some cases, it may even have referred to someone who lived in proximity to a city gate or a church door.

Due to its usage as a identifiable marker for a certain place or geographical feature, the name Vatterot eventually spread and became popular in other locations in France and even some other parts of Europe. However, it remains most common in France today and is believed to have descended from a few different ancestors.

While little other information is available about the early bearers of the surname Vatterot, its origins serve as a reminder of the fortifications and other structures that were important during the Middle Ages, and the individuals who were tasked with guarding them.

Vatterot: Where does the name Vatterot come from?

The last name Vatterot is typically of German origin, and is most commonly found in German-speaking countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein. It is believed to be derived from Given names such as Walter and Otto, but its exact origin is largely unknown.

Outside of Germany and its neighboring countries, Vatterot is commonly found in the United States, primarily in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Ohio, and Illinois. Along with other immigrants, the Vatterots arrived in the United States during the 1800s and 1900s, mainly from Germany and Switzerland.

Within Europe, Vatterot is also found in Denmark, the Netherlands, France, and Hungary; in each country, the numbers of Vatterot settlers are relatively small, making up less than 0.01% of the population.

In total, Vatterot is a moderately rare surname, not nearly as common as Smith, but still found in significantly large enough numbers to be notable. Its prevalence is primarily seen in German-speaking countries and in the United States, though it can also be found sporadically in areas throughout Europe.

Variations of the surname Vatterot

Variants of the surname Vatterot include Vatterott, Vatterotta, Vatterotti, Vatterotty, Vatteroty, Vottarot, Vottedott, Votterat, Vaterot, Vaderot, Vatrot, and Vaterotti.

Vatterot is a Devonian or German occupational surname derived from the occupation of the original bearer. This surname likely originated from the German verb 'vatern', meaning to gather or pick, suggesting that this individual's occupation was likely that of a gatherer, be it of food or of some other material. Variations of this surname arose over time in both the original German as well as through subsequent translations into multiple languages.

The variants of Vatterot reflect this etymological basis. Vattedott, for instance, reflects a combination of both German and English, as both words are present in the Arabic language and in the English language. Vaterot and Vaderot, on the other hand, suggest an adaptation of the word 'vatern' itself as the root word, while Vatrot likely is a combination of the original word and the English word 'rot', meaning root.

Other variants of Vatterot evolved through other translations and regions. Vatterott, for instance, is found in Norman France. Vatterotti likely has an Italian origin, possibly being derived from 'vatte' and 'rotoli', both of which refer to a type of Italian food. Likewise, Vatterotty and Vatteroty have origins in Low German, as they reflect the word 'vatern' combined with the German words 'ott' and 'ottich', which both refer to a large number.

Finally, Vottarot and Votterat likely began in Flemish Belgium, as Flemish is a language that is closely related to Low German and has multiple German words within it.

In summary, the surname Vatterot has many variants depending on the language and region from which it was derived. By tracing the origins of these variants, it is possible to understand the etymological basis of this surname and the reasons why the variants exist.

Famous people with the name Vatterot

• Patrick Vatterott: Known for his work in mathematics, Patrick Vatterott is an American mathematician, entrepreneur, and figure in the fields of theoretical computer science and cryptography.
• Ray Vatterott: Ray Vatterott is a former American football standout who played for some of college football's top programs, including the University of Nebraska, Nebraska Wesleyan, and the University of Dubuque.
• Joseph Vatterott: An American politician, Joseph Vatterott served in the Missouri legislature as a senator from 1842 until his death in 1847.
• Elizabeth Vatterott: Elizabeth Vatterott is a St. Louis-based actress and musician known for her stage roles in productions of Guys and Dolls, Little Shop of Horrors, and The Secret Garden.
• Chris Vatterott: Chris Vatterott is an author, lecturer, and professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He has written two books, including The Test and Educational Success.
• Betty Vatterott: Betty Vatterott is an award-winning quilter from St. Louis who has been creating quilts for over twenty-five years. Her quilts have been featured in several local galleries and publications.
• William Vatterott: William Vatterott has had a long career in the United States Army, most notably serving as a Battalion Commander in Vietnam. He currently serves as the National Vice Commander of Vietnam Veterans of America.
• Annie Vatterott: Annie Vatterott is an illustrator, author and educator based in Seattle, Washington. Her work has been featured in several magazines and newspapers.

Other surnames

VatterVatterodtVatterothVatterottVatterrodtVatterrotVatterrott