Last Names

Surnames / P

Puckett

What is the origin of the last name Puckett?

English originPatronymic (from a parent or ancestor)Rank #1,273 in the US

Meaning and origin

The last name Puckett is of English origin, derived from the medieval personal name "Pouket," which was likely a diminutive form of "Poul" or "Pock." The name Puckett originally referred to someone who resembled a small bird, possibly in terms of physical appearance or behavioral traits. Over time, it evolved into a hereditary surname and spread across different regions, particularly in England and America.

The longer story

The last name Puckett is of English origin and is categorized as a patronymic surname, meaning it is derived from the personal name of an ancestor. The name can be traced back to medieval England, specifically in the county of Yorkshire. Yorkshire, known for its Viking influence, is likely where the Puckett surname originated.

The etymology of Puckett suggests that it is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Púki," which means "goblin" or "sprite" in English. The addition of the suffix "-ett" indicates a patronymic formation, meaning "son of Púki."

Throughout history, various spelling variations of Puckett have been recorded, such as Pokett, Poket, Pending, Poggett, and more. These variations are often the result of phonetic changes and inconsistencies in written records.

Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.

Similar spellings

#1,273

Puckett was the 1,273rd most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 27,627 people, about 8.9 in every 100,000.

Who carries it

  • White (non-Hispanic)89.1%
  • Hispanic or Latino1.8%
  • Black (non-Hispanic)6.3%
  • Asian or Pacific Islander0.5%
  • Two or more races1.8%
  • American Indian or Alaska Native0.6%

Where it is found

Countries linked to Puckett.

Surnames like Puckett

Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.

Check the sources

For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.