| ![Show Contents]() Privett History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Wales The surname Privett is derived from the Middle English word "prou," meaning "brave," or "valiant," with the addition of either of two common diminutive suffixes: "-et" or "-ot." As such, this name is thought to have originally been a nickname for someone small, but brave. 1 2 Early Origins of the Privett familyThe surname Privett was first found in Carmarthenshire (Welsh: Sir Gaerfyrddin), located in Southwest Wales, one of thirteen historic counties and presently one of the principal area in Wales. One of the first records of the family was found in Somerset where Matthew Pruet was recorded in the Pipe Rolls of 1202. Early London records show Richard Prouet, Pruet, Prowet, there in 1278 and 1280. 3 The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 show: Andrew Pruet and William Pruet, both in Cambridgeshire at that time. In Somerset, early records there show Thomas Pruwet, Walter Prowet and Juliana Prouet, 1 Edward III (during the first year of King Edward III's reign.) 1 Early History of the Privett familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Privett research. Another 124 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1202, 1278, 1558, 1599, 1680 and 1717 are included under the topic Early Privett History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Privett Spelling VariationsAlthough there are not an extremely large number Welsh surnames, there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations of those surnames. This variety of spellings began almost immediately after the acceptance of surnames within Welsh society. As time progressed, these old Brythonic names were eventually were recorded in English. This process was problematic in that many of the highly inflected sounds of the native language of Wales could not be properly captured in English. Some families, however, did decide to modify their own names to indicate a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even a patriotic affiliation. The name Privett has seen various spelling variations: Pruett, Prewitt, Prewett, Pruet, Prewert and others. Early Notables of the Privett familyMore information is included under the topic Early Privett Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Privett RankingIn the United States, the name Privett is the 9,294th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 4
 Privett migration to the United States | + |
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many people from Wales joined the general migration to North America in search of land, work, and freedom. These immigrants greatly contributed to the rapid development of the new nations of Canada and the United States. They also added a rich and lasting cultural heritage to their newly adopted societies. Investigation of immigration and passenger lists has revealed a number of people bearing the name Privett:
Privett Settlers in United States in the 20th Century- Frank Privett, aged 18, originally from Bargood Glamorgen, Wales, who arrived in New York in 1917 aboard the ship "Andania (1922)" from Liverpool, England 5
- William Privett, aged 63, originally from London, England, who arrived in New York in 1919 aboard the ship "Lapland" from Southampton, England 5
- Kate Privett, aged 62, originally from London, England, who arrived in New York in 1919 aboard the ship "Lapland" from Southampton, England 5
- Hester Susan Privett, aged 29, originally from Beckenham, England, who arrived in New York in 1920 aboard the ship "Lapland" from Southampton, England 5
| Contemporary Notables of the name Privett (post 1700) | + |
- The Reverend Stephen Arena Privett S.J. (b. 1942), American Roman Catholic priest, 27th President of the University of San Francisco (2000-)
- John Elswood Privett, Canadian clergyman, Bishop of Kootenay (2004-2010), Archbishop of Kootenay (2010-)
- Frank John Privett (1874-1937), British Conservative Party politician, Member of Parliament for Portsmouth Central (1922 – 1923)
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: Deus pascit corvos
Motto Translation: God feeds the ravens.
- Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
- Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
- Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result
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Privett migration to the United States 
