Prettyjohn Surname History

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Prettyjohn

What does the name Prettyjohn mean?

The name Prettyjohn 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 Prettyjohn family

The surname Prettyjohn 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 Prettyjohn family

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

Prettyjohn Spelling Variations

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

Early Notables of the Prettyjohn family

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

Prettyjohn 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:

Prettyjohn Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Mr. Edward Prettyjohn, (b. 1850), aged 24, Cornish farm labourer departing on 25th September 1874 aboard the ship "Crusader" arriving in Lyttelton, Canterbury, New Zealand on 31st December 1874 2
Mr. Edward Prettyjohn, (b. 1874), aged Infant, Cornish settler departing on 25th September 1874 aboard the ship "Crusader" arriving in Lyttelton, Canterbury, New Zealand on 31st December 1874 2
Mrs. Grace Prettyjohn, (b. 1850), aged 24, Cornish settler departing on 25th September 1874 aboard the ship "Crusader" arriving in Lyttelton, Canterbury, New Zealand on 31st December 1874 2
Miss Jane Prettyjohn, (b. 1871), aged 3, Cornish settler departing on 25th September 1874 aboard the ship "Crusader" arriving in Lyttelton, Canterbury, New Zealand on 31st December 1874 2

Sources +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 2018, April 30). Emigrants to Lyttelton 1858-84 [PDF]. Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/new_zealand_assisted.pdf