Last Name Arnett

The last name "Arnett" is of English origin. It is a variant of "Arnott" or "Arnatt" which both derived from the given name "Arnold." "Arnold" itself comes from the Old English personal name "Earnweald," meaning "eagle ruler" or "ruler of the eagle." The surname "Arnett" was likely originally a patronymic surname, indicating someone as the "son of Arnold" or a similar variation. Over time, the spelling of the name may have changed due to regional accents or dialects.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Arnett

The meaning and origin of the last name Arnett

The surname Arnett is of English origin and has multiple possible meanings. One interpretation suggests that it is derived from the old Germanic personal name Arnold, which combines the elements "arn" meaning "eagle" and "wald" meaning "rule." This interpretation implies that the name Arnett signifies "eagle power" or "ruler of the eagles." Another possible origin for the Arnett surname is from the medieval English word "earnestre," meaning "enthusiastic" or "diligent." This origin suggests that Arnett referred to a person who was dedicated or earnest in their pursuits. Over time, the name Arnett may have undergone various alterations in spelling and pronunciation, resulting in the different variants seen today. Arnett can be found as a surname in various English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, where it was likely brought by early immigrants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Arnett

The last name Arnett is mainly found in the United States, with a significant concentration in the southern states. The highest concentration of individuals with this surname can be found in the states of Texas, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Tennessee. The Arnett family name has deep roots in these regions, with many individuals tracing their ancestry back several generations.

Outside of the United States, the surname Arnett is less common but can still be found in other English-speaking countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Due to migration patterns and globalization, Arnetts can also be found scattered across other parts of the world, including Europe and Asia, though in smaller numbers.

Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Arnett indicates a strong presence in the United States, particularly in the southern states, while also having a presence in other English-speaking countries and smaller pockets across the globe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Arnett

The last name Arnett can have several variations and spellings. Some common variations include Arnette, Arnott, and Anett. These variations occur due to regional or dialectal differences, immigration patterns, and variations in the pronunciation and spelling of names over time. It is also possible that some individuals may choose to alter the spelling of their last name for personal or aesthetic reasons. The surname Arnett could also have different spellings depending on the country or language. For instance, in some European languages, it may be spelled as Arneth or Arnėt. Additionally, different phonetic renderings of the name can lead to alternative spellings, such as Arnet or Arnete. Overall, the variations and spellings of the last name Arnett showcase the diversity and complex nature of surnames, and the numerous ways in which they can evolve and be represented.

Famous people with the last name Arnett

One of the most prominent individuals with the last name Arnett is Will Arnett, a highly acclaimed Canadian-American actor and comedian. He has gained fame through his notable roles in television shows such as "Arrested Development," in which he portrayed the eccentric character Gob Bluth, and in the animated series "BoJack Horseman," where he voiced the main character. Arnett has also contributed his talent to various successful films, including "The LEGO Movie" and its sequels. Moreover, he has showcased his comedic skills through hosting programs like "The Gong Show" and "LEGO Masters." Will Arnett's distinct voice and impeccable timing have solidified his status as one of the renowned actors in the industry.

Aside from Will, there are several other notable individuals who share the Arnett surname. Amy Poehler, an American actress, comedian, and producer, was previously married to Will Arnett. Additionally, her children with Arnett, Archie and Abel, have also inherited the Arnett last name, meaning that they are part of the renowned Arnett family.

Genealogical research on the last name Arnett

The surname Arnett has a rich genealogical history that stretches back several centuries. It is of English origin, derived from the personal name Arnaud or Arnold, which itself is derived from the Germanic elements "arn," meaning eagle, and "wald," meaning rule. The Arnett family can trace their roots to the medieval period in England, where they were likely involved in various occupations such as farming, blacksmithing, or carpentry. Over time, branches of the Arnett family migrated to different parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. In the United States, many Arnett families settled in states such as Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia, becoming prominent in their communities and contributing to various fields such as politics, academia, and the arts. Today, the Arnett surname continues to thrive, with numerous individuals proudly carrying on the family name and its heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Arnett"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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