Priet History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The name Priet is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was name for a trickster; for a practical joker. Further research revealed that the name is derived from the Old English word prætt, which meant "a trick" or alternatively "cunning and astute." 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. Nickname surnames were frequently the result of a spontaneous reaction to a particular occasion or event. It is possible that the name was given to the original bearer as the result of a particularly brilliant and wildly successful practical joke.

Early Origins of the Priet family

The surname Priet was first found in Essex but the name originally comes from Normandy where it is derived from the place name Pratum, or Pré, near Lisieux where Duke Richard gave lands to Fontanelles Abbey in 1024. Again in Normandy, Richard and Robert de Prato were listed in 1198 but another branch of the family were found in Essex in 1199 where Roger de Prato was listed at that time. Hervery de Prato was King John's "faithful knight" in 1200 and Rouen Castle was given to his brother for his services. 1

We draw the reader's attention to the church in the parish of Ryston in Norfolk. "The church is chiefly in the decorated English style, and contains numerous monuments to the Pratt family, including one to Lady Pratt, whose figure, in a reclining posture, is beautifully sculptured in white marble." 2

Early History of the Priet family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Priet research. Another 180 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1497, 1573, 1615, 1620, 1657, 1659, 1664, 1667, 1684, 1723, 1725 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Priet History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Priet 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 Priet have been found, including Pratt, Pratte, Prat and others.

Early Notables of the Priet family

Notables of the family at this time include Sir Roger Pratt (1620-1684), an English gentleman-architect, best known for his work on Clarendon House, London (1664-1667.) Sir John Pratt (1657-1725), was an English judge, son...
Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Priet Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Priet family to Ireland

Some of the Priet family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 83 words (6 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 Priet 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 Priet surname to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were: John Prat and Roger Prat, who both arrived at the Roanoake, Virginia colony in 1587; Abraham and Jane Pratt, who came to Salem in 1630; Phineas Pratt, who settled in Maine in 1622.

Citations +

The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.