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

Potts World Ranking

In the United States, the name Potts is the 829th most popular surname with an estimated 37,305 people with that name. 6 However, in Australia, the name Potts is ranked the 635th most popular surname with an estimated 6,151 people with that name. 7 And in New Zealand, the name Potts is the 992nd popular surname with an estimated 759 people with that name. 8 The United Kingdom ranks Potts as 491st 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
Potts Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Potts Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Potts migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Potts Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

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
Potts Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

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

Contemporary Notables of the name Potts (post 1700) +


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.


Suggested Readings for the name Potts +
Fastest Delivery Possible

Digital Products on Checkout, all other products filled in 1 business day

Money Back Guarantee

Yes, all products 100% Guraranteed

BBB A+ Rating

The Best Rating possible

Secure Online Payment

Entire site uses SSL / Secure Certificate