Last Name Arnette

The last name "Arnette" is of French origin. It is derived from the personal name "Arnaut," which itself is a shortened form of the Germanic name "Arnwald." The name "Arnwald" is composed of the elements "arn," meaning eagle, and "wald," meaning rule or power. Over time, the surname "Arnette" emerged as a variant spelling of "Arnold," which is also derived from "Arnwald."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Arnette

The meaning and origin of the last name Arnette

The surname Arnette has its origins in the country of France. It is derived from the French word "arnet," which means "little eagle." The name likely originated as a nickname or descriptive name given to someone who exhibited characteristics or traits associated with eagles, such as strength, courage, or sharp eyesight. The eagle has long been viewed as a symbol of power and nobility, making this name an honorable one.

Over time, individuals with the surname Arnette migrated to various parts of the world, including England and America. In these new lands, the name underwent minor phonetic changes, leading to variations such as Arnette, Arnett, and Arnatt. Today, individuals with the surname Arnette can be found scattered across different regions, carrying on the legacy associated with their ancestry and the majestic symbolism behind their name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Arnette

The last name Arnette is primarily found in the United States. It is a relatively uncommon surname, with a scattered distribution across the country. The highest concentration of individuals with the Arnette last name can be found in the southern states, particularly in Texas, North Carolina, and Georgia. These areas have historically been home to large communities of Arnettes. In Texas, cities like Houston and Dallas have a significant number of individuals with this surname. Additionally, North Carolina, especially areas around Raleigh and Durham, also have a notable presence of Arnettes. In Georgia, cities like Atlanta and Augusta have a fair number of individuals with this last name. Outside of the United States, the Arnette surname is much less prevalent, with only small pockets of individuals with this name found in other countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Arnette

The last name Arnette can have a few variations and spellings depending on regional influences and dialects. Some common variations of Arnette include Arnott, Arnatt, Arnot, Arnett, and Arnette. These variations mainly emerge due to phonetic shifts, regional accents, and the way surnames were recorded historically. For instance, some may spell it Arnett with a single 't' instead of the double 'tt.' Additionally, minor alterations such as the substitution of 'o' with 'a' can give rise to spellings like Arnot or Arnott. Furthermore, it is also possible to find some unique spellings such as Arnatt, with a slightly different pronunciation. It is important to note that these variations and spellings do not change the fundamental origin or core meaning of the surname, but rather highlight the diversity and adaptability of names across different cultures and languages.

Famous people with the last name Arnette

One of the most notable figures with the last name Arnette is Greg Arnette, a renowned tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Sonian, a pioneering cloud-based email archiving company. Greg Arnette's expertise in cloud computing and his innovative approach to data storage revolutionized the industry. His contributions have been widely recognized, and he has received prestigious accolades, including being named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

In the world of sports, one cannot overlook the legendary skateboarder and entrepreneur, Paul Arnette. Known for his groundbreaking skateboarding tricks and his influential role in the development of the sport, Paul Arnette inspired a generation of skateboarders with his fearless style and creativity. He founded Arnette Eyewear, a company that specialized in sunglasses and became a prominent brand in the action sports community.

These famous individuals with the last name Arnette have left an indelible mark in their respective fields, making them prominent figures in their industries.

Genealogical research on the last name Arnette

The surname Arnette has an interesting genealogical history that can be traced back to its origins in medieval England. It is derived from the personal name Arnold, which itself comes from the Germanic elements "arn," meaning eagle, and "wald," meaning ruler. The Arnette family is believed to have originated in the county of Yorkshire, where it was first recorded in the late 13th century. Over time, the surname spread across the country, and Arnette individuals can be found in various parts of England. In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, some members of the Arnette family migrated to the American colonies, particularly Virginia and Maryland. Today, the surname Arnette can still be found in different parts of the United States and other English-speaking countries. Genealogical research on the Arnette family can provide individuals with a deeper understanding of their ancestral roots and their connections to different regions over the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Arnette"
• 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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