Surname Kitts - Meaning and Origin
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Kitts: What does the surname Kitts mean?
Kitts is an English surname derived from two possible sources. The first is a nickname for a person associated with the trade of kittens and cats, derived from the Middle English word "kitte," meaning "cat." The second possible source of the Kitts surname origin is occupational in nature, derived from the occupation of a master shearer, which was known as "Kit." This origin is also derived from the Middle English word "kit," meaning "shears."
The Kitts family has deep roots in England, where it is one of the oldest surnames in the country dating back to the 13th century. Since then, members of the Kitts family have made their mark throughout England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Beyond the British Isles, people bearing the seminal Kitts surname have branched out to the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Kitts surname is thought to have a variety of different meanings, depending on its origin. In the case of the nickname, Kitts might mean someone who was shrewd and able to buy and sell cats. For the occupational, it might reflect an able shearer who showed right and proper skill. In either case, the Kitts family name has been able to withstand the test of time, based on its longevity and its spiritual understanding. Whether Kitts is associated with cats or shears, it is a surname of respect and dignity.
Order DNA origin analysisKitts: Where does the name Kitts come from?
The last name Kitts is most commonly found in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe. There are Kitts families in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Holland, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.
The most common origin of the Kitts surname is from Old English and originally meant “Kite”, a type of hawk. Kitts is thought to have originated in the county of Wiltshire, England, and from there spread across the continent.
In the mid-19th century, many Kitts families lived in the midlands of England, and the name began to spread beyond the British Isles to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
In the United States, Kitts families are most commonly found in Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, and California. Though this name is still fairly uncommon in the United States, it is frequently used as a middle name.
The last name Kitts has become even more common in the 21st century due to social media and the internet. Now, families with the Kitts last name belong to communities across the world, including Europe, the United States, the Philippines, India, and many more.
Variations of the surname Kitts
The surname Kitts is derived from the name of an English county located in the county of Hampshire. This surname can have several variations in spelling, including Kitt, Kits, Kytts, Kittes, and Kitse. It can also appear with similar sounding surnames, such as Kates, Kites, Kitson, and Kotts.
The Kitts surname has various origins depending on the location. It can be a topographic name used to refer to someone who lived in a place that was known to have outdoor kites or macaws, such as Hampshire. It can also be locational, referring to someone who was from one of the places named Kitts such as Kitts Green in Warwickshire. Or it can be derived from the Middle English nickname 'kyt', meaning 'cat', used to describe someone who had a particular personality trait or characteristic.
Additionally, it is likely that the Kitts surname has originated from other Anglo-Saxon or Old Norse names, such as Kyatts, Kytts, Kittens, Kittenson or Kitting. These names may have referred to people with the same first name, such as the Old English name Cytel, Cytelhym (cytel meaning 'lordly') or the Old Norse name Kettil (kett meaning 'a female relative').
Overall, the surname Kitts is a derivative of several different origins. Despite the various names associated with it, they are all derived from the same source. The variations in spelling and variants may be subtle, but they could help to identify someone's ancestry.
Famous people with the name Kitts
- Candace Kitts: Candace Kitts is an American fashion model best known for her appearances in print campaigns and on the runway for leading designers like Anna Sui, Anne Klein, Lanvin, Michael Kors, and Vera Wang.
- Shanna Kitts: Shanna Kitts is an American photographer and blogger known for her fashion photography and her creative style.
- Jordan Kitts: Jordan Kitts is an international recording artist, composer, and producer who has created work for major motion picture soundtracks, television shows, and advertising campaigns.
- Matt Kitts: Matt Kitts is an American professional golfer who has played on the PGA Tour, Nationwide Tour, and Web.com Tour.
- Rob Kitts: Rob Kitts is an American singer-songwriter best known for his work with the band The Band Perry.
- Craig Kitts: Craig Kitts is an American chef, television personality, and restaurateur.
- John Kitts: John Kitts is an American Paralympic athlete from the United States who competes in track and field events.
- Cynthia Kitts: Cynthia Kitts is an American biologist and science educator best known for her work in coral reef conservation.
- Claude Kitts: Claude Kitts is an American blues singer and musician who began his career in the 1940s.
- Domonique Kitts: Domonique Kitts is an American professional basketball player who played college basketball at Duke University.
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Comments or additions to the name "Kitts"
26.09.2024
Kitts found in Tennessee