Powtay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The name Powtay is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was name for a small person. The surname Powtay originally derived from the Old French word Petit which referred to small or tiny. A broad and miscellaneous class of surnames, nickname surnames referred to a characteristic of the first person who used the name. They can describe the bearer's favored style of clothing, appearance, habits, or character.

Early Origins of the Powtay family

The surname Powtay was first found in Warwickshire where they held a family seat from very ancient times as Lords of the Manor of Ilmington conjecturally descended from the land holder recorded in the Domesday Book survey taken in 1086 A.D., as being held by Alric the pre-conquest holder from Robert of Stafford.

Early History of the Powtay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Powtay research. Another 148 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1124, 1296, 1382, 1395, 1548, 1566, 1567, 1583, 1589, 1621, 1623, 1628, 1629, 1639, 1660, 1661 and 1687 are included under the topic Early Powtay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Powtay Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Powtay have been found, including Pettey, Petty, Pettie, Pety, Petie and others.

Early Notables of the Powtay family

Notables of the family at this time include Maximilian Petty (c 1583-1639), an English lawyer and politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1628 to 1629; Edmund Petty (c. 1621-1661), an English lawyer and politician who sat in the House of Commons in 1660; and Sir William Petty FRS (1623-1687)...
Another 51 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Powtay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Powtay family to Ireland

Some of the Powtay family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 37 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Powtay family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become powerful new nations. Among early immigrants of the Powtay surname to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were: James Pettey who settled in New Hampshire in 1718; Ann Pettey settled in Maryland in 1740; John Pettie landed in America in 1685; Sir William Petty settled in Pennsylvania in 1682.