Contents [hide]

Potts History Early Origins Early History Spelling Variations Early Notables World Ranking

United States Canada Australia New Zealand

Contemporary Notables Historic Events Related Stories Motto Suggested Reading Citations

Potts History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Germany
Scotland

The Anglo-Saxon name Potts comes from Phillip. A common medieval English form of the name Phillip is Philpot. This form was often shortened to the diminutive form Pot or Pott. It is from this form of Phillip that the surname Potts is derived. The personal name Phillip was popular thanks to the influence of St. Phillip, one of the twelve apostles of Christ. 1

There is, however, another possible etymology, that better explains some instances of the name. Pott was an Old English word which meant hole or pit. It was sometimes used topographically to indicate residence near such a geographical feature. This makes this surname polygenetic; that is, derived from more than one source and having more than one initial bearer.

Early Origins of the Potts family

The surname Potts was first found in Hampshire where Godwin Pot was registered at Winton in 1115. Years later, Richard Pott was listed in the Liber Wintoniensis of Cambridgeshire c. 1150 and later again, Petronilla Potes was registered in the Court Rolls of Colchester in 1311, as was Roger Potte in 1352. 2

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 proved the family was scattered throughout ancient Britain: Colin Pot in Lincolnshire; Richard Pot in Essex; Reginald Pot in Huntingdonshire; and William Pote in Norfolk. 1

Richard de la Potte, Attepotte was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls for Sussex in 1221 and later in 1228; Gilbert atte Potte was found in the Subsidy Rolls for Surrey in 1332; and Margaret atte Potte was found in the Subsidy Rolls for Sussex in 1296. 2 Another source claims "Potts was the name of an old Northumbrian clan." 3

And still father to the north in Scotland, "Richard Pott in Eskdaill was charged with the theft of four cows in 1513, and Thomas Pot in Reddene and Rafe (Ralph) Pott in Kelso are in record in 1567." 4

The Poot and Poots variants are "now numerous in Ulster most of which, though not sufficiently well established to be classed as 'principal names' in the co-called census of 1659, were already to be found in that province at that time." This noted author goes on to cite the name as being ultimately of English origin. 5

Early History of the Potts family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Potts research. Another 111 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1592, 1605, 1612, 1618, 1640, 1641, 1644, 1648, 1660, 1673, 1675, 1686 and 1721 are included under the topic Early Potts History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Potts Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Potts were recorded, including Potts, Pott, Pot, Poot and others.

Early Notables of the Potts family

Notables of the family at this time include

Sir Thomas Putt, 1st Baronet (1644-1686) of Combe in the County of Devon, Member of Parliament for Honiton; and his son Sir Thomas Putt, 2nd Baronet (c. 1675-1721); Sir William Pott of Norfolk; Sir Jo...
Thomas Potts (fl. 1612-1618), was the English author of the 'Discoverie of Witches.' He wrote the book after officiating at the trial of the famous Lancashire witches at Lancaster on 12 August, 1612...

Potts World Ranking

In the United States, the name Potts is the 829^th most popular surname with an estimated 37,305 people with that name. 6 However, in Australia, the name Potts is ranked the 635^th most popular surname with an estimated 6,151 people with that name. 7 And in New Zealand, the name Potts is the 992^nd popular surname with an estimated 759 people with that name. 8 The United Kingdom ranks Potts as 491^st with 13,162 people. 9

Potts migration to the United States +

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Potts family emigrate to North America:

Potts Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Richard Potts, who arrived in Virginia in 1608
Anthony Potts, aged 27, who arrived in Virginia in 1635 aboard the ship "Paul"
Lacrecia Potts, who landed in Virginia in 1649 10
Fran Potts, who arrived in Virginia in 1664 10
Mary Potts, who arrived in Virginia in 1665 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Potts Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Lancelot Potts, who arrived in Virginia in 1719 10
Margret Potts, aged 22, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1732 10
Michel Potts, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1732 10
Hans Michael Potts, who settled in Philadelphia in 1732
John Lodwick Potts, who settled in Philadelphia in 1738
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Potts Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Walter Potts, aged 25, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1803 10
Day Potts, who arrived in America in 1805 10
Hans Potts, who arrived in America in 1805 10
Hans and Hanna Potts, who settled in Philadelphia in 1805
James Potts, aged 21, who landed in Virginia in 1812 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Potts migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Potts Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Mr. Stephen Potts U.E. who settled in Saint John, New Brunswick c. 1784 11

Potts migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Potts Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century

Miss Ellen Potts, English convict who was convicted in Lancaster, Lancashire, England for 7 years , transported aboard the "Britannia III" on 18th July 1798, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 12

Potts Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. Joseph Potts, English convict who was convicted in Chester, Cheshire, England for life, transported aboard the "Fanny" on 25th August 1815, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
Mr. Joseph Potts, English convict who was convicted in Lancaster, Lancashire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Elizabeth" in May 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 14
James Potts, English convict from London, who was transported aboard the "Adamant" on March 16, 1821, settling in New South Wales, Australia 15
Francis Potts, aged 21, a chandler, who arrived in Kangaroo Island aboard the ship "Buffalo" in 1836 16
Mr. George Potts, English convict who was convicted in Sussex, England for 15 years, transported aboard the "Canton" on 20th September 1839, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 17
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Potts migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Potts Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Captain W. Potts, Australian settler travelling from Sydney aboard the ship "David" arriving in New Zealand in 1839 18
Mr. Potts, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Mandarin" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 21st May 1841 18
Christopher Potts, who arrived in Port Nicholson aboard the ship "Mandarin" in 1841
David Potts, aged 26, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Martha Ridgway" in 1842
Hannah Potts, aged 23, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Martha Ridgway" in 1842
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Potts (post 1700) +

Howard Kenton "Ken" Potts (1921-2023), American World War II veteran, a survivor of the USS Arizona (BB-39) when it was attacked on December 7, 1941 in Pearl Harbor
Harry Russell "Russ" Potts Jr. (1939-2021), American businessman and politician, Member of the Virginia Senate (1992-2008)
Erwin Potts (1932-2017), American businessman, the first non-McClatchy family member CEO of the McClatchy Company from 1989 to 1996
Andy Potts (b. 1976), American Olympic triathlete
Annie Potts (b. 1952), American television and film actress
Lieutenant General William Edward Potts (1921-2005), American Army Officer and a member of the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame
David Potts Jr. (1794-1863), American politician, Member of Pennsylvania State House of Representatives, 1824-26; U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania, 1831-39 19
Clyde Potts, American Republican politician, Mayor of Morristown, New Jersey, 1929-37 19
Charles J. Potts, American politician, Member of Maryland State House of Delegates from Wicomico County, 1947-50 19
C. H. Potts, American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from Idaho, 1912; Mayor of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, 1917-19 19
... (Another 52 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Potts family +

Empress of Ireland

Mrs. Margaret Potts (1888-1914), née Heavey Canadian Second Class Passenger from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 20

HMS Hood

Mr. Frank S Potts (b. 1920), English Writer serving for the Royal Navy from West Hartlepool, County Durham, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 21

HMS Repulse

Mr. Stewart Potts, British Stoker, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 22
Mr. Charles S H Potts, British Stoker 2ne Class, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 22

HMS Royal Oak

Herbert H. Potts, British Seaman with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he survived the sinking 23

USS Arizona

Mr. Howard K. Potts, American Coxswain working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he survived the sinking 24

The Potts 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: Fortis et astutus
Motto Translation: Bold and Crafty.

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 30th October 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/Britannia
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 28th September 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/fairlie
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 1st March 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/elizabeth
State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Adamant voyage to New South Wales, Australia in 1821 with 144 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/adamant/1821
State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) HMS BUFFALO 1836. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1836Buffalo.htm
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 17th December 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/canton
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 13) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm
HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html
Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html