Surname Plantagenet - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'P'
Plantagenet: What does the surname Plantagenet mean?
The surname Plantagenet originated from the nickname of Geoffrey, Count of Anjou, who was notable for often wearing a sprig of broom plant, known as "planta genista" in Latin, in his hat. This nickname eventually became the family name for the house who ruled England as their monarchy from the 12th to the 15th centuries. The Plantagenet dynasty included famous monarchs such as Richard the Lionheart and King John. The name itself, "Plantagenet," did not become a surname until the 15th century, during the era of Richard, Duke of York. It was used retrospectively to group together the descendent lines of Geoffrey, Count of Anjou. The Plantagenets were initially a strong monarchy, but their rule was marked by numerous power struggles, revolt, war, and upheaval.
Order DNA origin analysisPlantagenet: Where does the name Plantagenet come from?
The Plantagenet surname is most commonly found in England, especially in the Southwest and South East. In the United Kingdom, the Plantagenet surname is still common in and around London and Greater Manchester. The name is also found in France, specifically in the Loire Valley and Poitou-Charentes region, as well as in the Normandy region. There are a few Canadians who bear the surname as well, mostly found in Ontario and British Columbia.
The Plantagenet name can be traced back to the 12th century, associated with the English House of Plantagenet which reigned from 1154 to 1485. During this time, the ruling family gained great power and influence. They presided over some of the most significant events of British history, such as the signing of the Magna Carta and the Hundred Years' War.
Today, the surname Plantagenet is still held in high regard. Many notable people in Britain and beyond have carried the name, from authors and public figures to scientists and statesmen. Even though the Plantagenet dynasty no longer holds power, the legacy continues to remain alive.
Variations of the surname Plantagenet
The Plantagenet surname is derived from the French word ‘plante’ which means ‘sprig of a plant’ and the Latin word ‘genesta’ which translates to ‘a branch of broom’. This surname dates back to the medieval period of Europe and is associated with the Plantagenet royal house of England. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the Plantagenet surname are the following:
Variants: Plantaginet, Plantadanet, Plantagenet, Plantegenet, Plantegnet
Spellings: Plantawney, Plantagette, Plantagne, Plantagen, Plantagent
Surnames: Plauntegenet, Plauntenet, Plandgenet, Plattgenet, PlauntegNET.
The spellings and variants of the Plantagenet name can be attributed to the region’s dialect and cultural changes over the centuries. Some Plantagenet spellings may have been modified due to phonetic pronunciation of the time. In other instances, surnames may have been adapted to sound more French or English in some regions, such as Plantagent, Plantagne, or Plantawney.
The Plantagenet surname is commonly found throughout the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and other parts of the English-speaking world. Additionally, the surname is found in France, Switzerland, Belgium, and other parts of France due to Norman migrations.
The Plantagenet surname is a common one, with many branches of the same origin as its variants and spellings. Over time, the name has firmly become rooted in many cultures of the world, a symbol of the strong House of Plantagenet.
Famous people with the name Plantagenet
- Edward Plantagenet, 17th Earl of Warwick (born 1945)
- George Plantagenet, 1st Duke of Clarence (1449–1478)
- Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York (1411–1460)
- Edward III of England (1312–1377)
- Henry of Bolingbroke, 1st Duke of Lancaster (1367–1413)
- Richard II of England (1367–1400)
- Thomas of Woodstock, 1st Duke of Gloucester (1355–1397)
- John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster (1340–1399)
- Henry III of England (1207–1272)
- John of England (1166–1216)
- Geoffrey II of Anjou (1113–1151)
- Henry II of England (1133–1189)
- Fulk V of Anjou (1089–1143)
- Geoffrey V of Anjou (1113–1151)
- Henry I of England (1068–1135)