Pittack History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The origins of the name Pittack are with the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from Paeda the first Christian King of Mercia. The surname Pittack referred to the son of Paeda which belongs to the category of patronymic surnames. In Old English, patronyms were formed by adding a variety of suffixes to personal names, which changed over time and from place to place. For example, after the Norman Conquest, sunu and sune, which meant son, were the most common patronymic suffixes. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the most common patronymic names included the word filius, which meant son. By the 14th century, the suffix son had replaced these earlier versions. Surnames that were formed with filius or son were more common in the north of England and it was here that the number of individuals without surnames was greatest at this time.

Early Origins of the Pittack family

The surname Pittack was first found in Somerset where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Pittack family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Pittack research. Another 85 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Pittack History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Pittack Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Pittack has been spelled many different ways, including Pidcock, Piddock, Pidocock, Pitcock, Pittock and others.

Early Notables of the Pittack family

More information is included under the topic Early Pittack Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Pittack family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Pittacks to arrive in North America: Thomas Piddock, who arrived in Maine in 1624; George Pidcock, who settled in New England in 1657; William Piddock settled in Virginia in 1679; Elizabeth Piddock, who came to Maryland in 1684.

The Pittack Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Seigneur, je te prie, garde ma vie
Motto Translation: Lord, I beseech thee, save my life.