Surname Gittings - Meaning and Origin

Gittings: What does the surname Gittings mean?

The last name Gittings is found mainly in England and is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It comes from the medieval personal name Gitte, a short form of Gilbert. The Gittings surname is thought to have first appeared in Lancashire in the 13th century.

The meaning of this name is believed to come from the Old English words "gyten", meaning "to pour out" or "to pour forth", and "ing", which can sometimes describe someone as related to a place or area. The name may also have roots in the Old English word "gisten", meaning "to pour or rain". Thus, Gittings may be seen to have originated from a person who was associated with rainfall or a place that was associated with abundant rainfall.

Gittings is associated with placename elements, such as "ton" meaning "town"; hence, someone who was associated with a town that either poured out, or where it rained a lot. Gittings may also have originated as an occupational nickname, possibly being someone who poured out wine or ale.

The Gittings family name is featured in early records in Lancashire dating back to the 14th century, although the surname is still recorded to this day. It is recorded that Richard Gittings was a witness in 1537 in the register of the Freemen of Lancaster.

Gittings: Where does the name Gittings come from?

The last name Gittings is most common in the United States today, primarily in the Midwest and eastern seaboard regions. More specifically, Gittings is more common in certain states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Maryland, but it can occasionally be found in Illinois, West Virginia and New York as well. Additionally, Gittings is also concentrated in certain regions of England. According to the Surname Database, the name is most commonly found in counties such as Hampshire, Herefordshire, and Gloucestershire.

The origin of the Gittings name is thought to be derived from a nickname to an ancestor that was known for his quickness or agility. It is also believed that the name means "a thing that can be got," which likely referred to a commodity or estate that was acquired in the past.

Today, many of the Gittings descendants around the world have kept the name going for generations. In the US, the Gittings family’s rich history can be seen in monuments, personal belongings, and records of ancestors who served in the Civil War. The Gittings name also connects many US citizens to their English roots since the original Gittings family was one of the first to make the voyage across the pond.

Variations of the surname Gittings

The Gittings surname has many variants, spellings, and surnames with the same origin. These include: Giddens, Gitten, Gittens, Gyddens, and Gydens.

Gittings is an English surname of medieval origin. It is derived from the Old English word 'gyttan', which means 'to pour or stream'. In medieval times, Gittings was likely an occupative name given to people who worked in the stream or water trade, such as fishermen, millers, and boatmen.

The Gittings surname is quite common in England and Wales. The highest concentrations of the Gittings surname can be found in North West England, particularly in Lancashire, Cheshire, Yorkshire, and Shropshire. There are also large numbers of people bearing the Gittings name in the south of England, particularly in London and the East Midlands.

People with the Gittings surname may also be found in Wales, Scotland, and various parts of the former British Empire, such as Canada, the United States, Australia, South Africa, and India.

Today, the Gittings surname is often associated with the spelling 'Giddens'. It is probably the result of spelling and pronunciation changes that have occurred from generation to generation in the English language. Many people whose surname is Gittings may also spell it as Gidden, Gittin, Gyddens, and Giddins.

Overall, the surname Gittings has a long history, with various spellings and surnames of the same origin. People bearing this name can be found all over the world, living in a huge variety of countries, cultures, and languages.

Famous people with the name Gittings

• Elizabeth Gittings, American theatrical costume designer
• Arthur Henry Gittings, English cricketer
• Randy Gittings, American politician
• Claude Gittings, American sculptor
• Paul Gittings,British former racing cyclist
• Richard Gittings, British actor
• Catherine Gittings, American Voice Actor
• Kaylee Gittings, American ballet dancer
• Alfie Gittings, British vocalist
• William Gittings, British musician

Other surnames

Gittins