Summary

The surname Petty has English origins and is derived from the Middle English word 'petit', meaning small or humble. It is often associated with someone of lowly social status or a small stature. The surname has a rich history and can be traced back to medieval times.
There are
34882
Pettys in the USA
Petty is the
1005th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Petty

TomPetty

Tom Petty was an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. He was the lead vocalist and guitarist of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, one of the most successful rock bands of all time.

RichardPetty

Richard Petty is a retired American NASCAR driver who is widely considered one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport. He won a record seven NASCAR Cup Series championships and is nicknamed 'The King'.

LoriPetty

Lori Petty is an American actress, writer, and director. She is known for her roles in movies such as 'Tank Girl' and 'A League of Their Own', as well as TV shows like 'Orange Is the New Black.'

RoswellPetty

Roswell Petty was an American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from Texas. He was known for his advocacy for rural electrification and public power.

KylePetty

Kyle Petty is a former American NASCAR driver and current racing commentator. He comes from a family of racing legends, with his father being Richard Petty and his grandfather being Lee Petty.

GeorgiaPetty

Georgia Petty was an American painter and sculptor. She was known for her unique abstract art style and her use of vibrant colors.

FrankPetty

Frank Petty was an American football player who played as a running back for the Chicago Bears. He was known for his speed and agility on the field.

CarlPetty

Carl Petty was an American boxer who competed in the lightweight division. He won several titles and was known for his fast and powerful punches.

NancyPetty

Nancy Petty is an American pastor who serves as the current senior pastor of Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. She is known for her progressive and inclusive approach to ministry.

JimPetty

Jim Petty was an American journalist and author. He wrote several acclaimed non-fiction books, focusing on various social and political issues.

Petty Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Petty' is of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word 'petit', meaning 'small' or 'little'. It was likely originally used as a nickname for a small or short person.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Petty' is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the southern states such as Texas, Virginia, and North Carolina. It is also found in smaller numbers in the United Kingdom and Australia.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Petty' include 'Petit', 'Peti', 'Petie', 'Pettis', 'PetItt', 'Pettit', 'Petite', 'Pettys', 'Pettie', and 'Pittey'.
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the surname 'Petty' have migrated or immigrated to various countries throughout history. This includes individuals who migrated within the United States, as well as those who immigrated to countries like Canada and Australia for various reasons such as employment opportunities and family reunification.