Show ContentsPettyjohn Surname History

The name Pettyjohn was derived from the Old French word "petit," meaning "small" and the personal name "John." Originally in the form "Petite John", it denoted "John, the Younger," or "John's son." 1

Early Origins of the Pettyjohn family

The surname Pettyjohn was first found in Sussex where John Petijohan was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of 1327. Records in Chelmsford, Essex show John Petyjohn recorded there in 1386. John Petyteny was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for Somerset in 1327. 1

Early History of the Pettyjohn family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Pettyjohn research. Another 87 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1386, 1443, 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Pettyjohn History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Pettyjohn Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Pettijohn, Petijohn, Pettyjohn, Petyjohn, Pettejohn and many more.

Early Notables of the Pettyjohn family

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

Pettyjohn Ranking

In the United States, the name Pettyjohn is the 15,382nd most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 2

Migration of the Pettyjohn family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: the name represented in many forms and recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands..


Contemporary Notables of the name Pettyjohn (post 1700) +

  • Jade Elizabeth Pettyjohn, American actress, known for her roles as McKenna Brooks in An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars
  • Angelique Pettyjohn (1943-1992), born Dorothy Lee Perrins, an American actress and burlesque queen who appeared as the drill thrall Shahna in the Star Trek episode, "The Gamesters of Triskelion"


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/


Houseofnames.com on Facebook