Surname Heriott - Meaning and Origin

Heriott: What does the surname Heriott mean?

The surname Heriott is of Scottish origin and is believed to derive from the personal name "Heriot," which is itself derived from the Old English terms "here-geatwe," meaning military equipment, or "heregeatas," referring to a warlike tribe or nation. So, it could suggest a person who had a military background or who was considered as 'war-like' in nature. It could also be occupational, referring to someone who was in charge of providing military equipment. Over time, as last names established, it would have transferred from the original bearer to his offspring. However, we need to note that the origins of many surnames are centuries old and their precise meanings may have been altered or obscure due to lack of definitive historical records.

Heriott: Where does the name Heriott come from?

The surname Heriott is of Scottish origin, specifically traced back to the area of Roxburghshire. The name is assumed to be derived from the Old English name "Heregeat", a compound of "here" meaning army and "geat" meaning Goth. The Scots originally used it as a personal name, Heriot, and later it evolved into a surname. An important bearer of this name was the philanthropist George Heriot, who was a goldsmith and jeweller in the court of King James VI and I.

Today, the name is not very common which makes it hard to pinpoint a specific region where it is prevalent. However, it can still be found in the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland due to its origins. There are also some bearers of the name in the United States, Canada, and Australia, likely as a result of Scottish emigration over the centuries.

Variations of the surname Heriott

The surname Heriott can be spelled in a variety of ways, perhaps due to its French origin and the process of Anglicization. Variations of the surname include Heriot, Hariot, Haryot, Harriott, Harriot, Harriotte, Herriott, Herriotte, Herriotts, Herryot, Heryot and Haryatt among others.

It has been suggested that these surnames originate from the old French personal names 'Henriot' or 'Harriot', which are diminutives of 'Henry'. The name 'Henry' itself comes from the old Germanic elements "haim", meaning home, and "ric", meaning power, hence "home-power".

These surnames have been traced back to Scotland, specifically to Edinburgh where a person named John Harriot was known to reside in the 16th century. In the 17th century, also in Scotland, the name was spelled as Heriot, as in George Heriot, the founder of George Heriot's School in Edinburgh.

In the past, these name variations have often been associated with families of high social status, wealth and power such as the Heriot-Watt families of Scotland. The family crests and coat of arms associated with many of these surname variants feature gold and silver elements, symbolizing generosity, peace and sincerity.

Famous people with the name Heriott

• Jim Herriott: famous English golfer, member of the successful Ryder Cup teams of 1957, 1959, 1961, and 1973
• John Herriott: British television director and producer
• Manfred Herriott: a top American beekeeping expert
• Alison Herriott: Canadian actress
• Steve Herriott: Irish criminal
• Jock Herriott: professional British footballer
• Angus Herriott: English actor
• Mark Herriott: Australian cartoonist
• Wayne Herriott: science fiction author
• Colin Herriott: British artist

Other surnames

Heriot