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Last Name Nutt

What is the origin of the last name Nutt?

The surname Nutt is of English origin and comes from various sources. It may have originated as a nickname for someone with a round or squat face, derived from Middle English 'nutte' meaning "nut." Another possible origin is from a medieval English occupational name for a maker of nuts and bolts, derived from Old Norse 'nuttr.' Lastly, it could also be a topographical name for someone who lived near a nut tree or wood. However, the exact origin can vary depending on specific geographical locations and historical periods in England.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Nutt

The meaning and origin of the last name Nutt

The surname Nutt is an Anglo-Saxon name derived from the Old English word "hnaut," which means 'nut,' 'acorn,' or 'bud.' This surname could have been originally given as a topographical name to someone who lived near a place where nuts grew abundantly, or it could have been occupational for a vendor of nuts. The name Nutt is also found in its various spellings such as Nut, Nutte, and Nute, throughout England and Scotland. The earliest recorded spelling of the surname dates back to 1273 in the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire where William de Nuet was listed. Throughout its history, the name has been distributed widely across England with a large number of people emigrating to America during the colonial period, establishing the name's presence in countries like the United States and Canada.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nutt

The surname Nutt has a significant presence primarily in English-speaking countries, particularly England, Scotland, and Wales, due to its Anglo-Saxon roots. A notable concentration can be found in parts of southern and eastern England, such as the counties of Kent, Essex, Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire. In North America, the name is relatively common in the United States, particularly in states like Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, which may reflect early English settlers. In Canada, Ontario and Nova Scotia show a higher frequency of the surname Nutt. Other countries with notable distributions include Australia and New Zealand, where it's thought to have been brought by British immigrants. The name also appears in smaller numbers in South Africa and Ireland, suggesting possible dispersals during colonial periods.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nutt

The surname Nutt has several variations and spelling derivatives. Some of these include Nutte, Nutten, Nutti, Nutty, and Nytt. These variations may stem from different geographical regions or be the result of transcription errors over time. Additionally, the name can have different origins. For instance, it could be an English occupational surname for a peasant farmer or a nut dealer, derived from Middle English 'hnute' meaning 'nut'. Another possible origin is from the Old English personal name Nott, meaning 'night'. These variants and their spellings serve to illustrate the rich diversity of surnames throughout history and the influence of regional dialects and transcription errors on their development.

Famous people with the last name Nutt

Notable individuals with the surname Nutt include:

1. John Nutt (1763-1841), an English naval officer who served during the American Revolutionary War and Napoleonic Wars, achieving the rank of Rear-Admiral.
2. Charles Nutt (1839-1895), an American botanist and ethnologist, known for his work on the flora and fauna of North America and as a founding member of the New York Botanical Garden.
3. Robert Nutt (1930-2014), an English actor who appeared in numerous television shows and films, including "Dad's Army" and "The Saint."
4. John Nutt (born 1948), a British musician and songwriter, best known for his work with the progressive rock band Jethro Tull.
5. Brian Nutt (born 1953), an American professional wrestler who performed under the ring name "The Sheepherder" in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in the 1980s and 1990s.
6. Paul Nutt (born 1974), an American football coach who has served as a head coach for several college teams, including Austin Peay State University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Genealogical research on the last name Nutt

The surname Nutt is of English origin, deriving from the Old English word "hnutta," meaning nut or acorn. It's believed that early bearers of this name may have lived near trees bearing nuts or were associated with the nut trade. One notable early reference of the name appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, where a certain Willelmus filius Hnotte is recorded in Norfolk, England. Over the centuries, variations of the surname such as Nutte, Notte, and Nuett have also been found. The Nutt family migrated to North America in the 17th century, with notable settlers arriving in Massachusetts Bay Colony in the early 1600s. Descendants of these early immigrants can be traced throughout the United States today.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 28 July 2025

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