Pothecary Surname

The History of the Pothecary Surname

The surname Pothecary is a rare and unique surname with a long history. Originating from England, the name has evolved over the centuries and has spread to various parts of the world. The origins of the Pothecary surname can be traced back to medieval England, where it was commonly used to refer to someone who worked as a potter or made pottery. The name may also have been used to refer to someone who sold or traded pottery or other household goods.

Origins of the Name

The exact origins of the Pothecary surname are unclear, but it is believed to have originated from the Old English word "pothec," which means potter. The suffix "-ary" was often added to occupational surnames in medieval England to indicate someone who worked in a particular trade or profession. Therefore, the surname Pothecary likely referred to someone who worked as a potter or had some connection to the pottery industry.

The earliest recorded instance of the Pothecary surname dates back to the 13th century in England, where it was used to refer to individuals working in the pottery trade. Over time, the name became more widespread and was eventually passed down through generations as a hereditary surname.

Spread of the Surname

Although the Pothecary surname originated in England, it has since spread to other parts of the world. According to data, the surname has the highest incidence in England, with 692 individuals bearing the surname. Wales follows with 141 occurrences, while Australia, Canada, and South Africa also have a significant number of individuals with the surname.

In addition to these countries, the Pothecary surname has also been recorded in New Zealand, Scotland, the United States, the Netherlands, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Northern Ireland, Norway, Brazil, Spain, Ireland, Pakistan, and Thailand, although in smaller numbers.

Notable Individuals with the Pothecary Surname

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the surname Pothecary. One such individual is John Pothecary, a renowned potter in the 18th century who was known for his exquisite ceramic work. Another notable figure is Elizabeth Pothecary, a suffragette and women's rights activist in the early 20th century.

Today, individuals with the surname Pothecary can be found in various professions and fields, ranging from pottery and ceramics to business, law, and academia. The surname continues to be passed down through generations, ensuring that the legacy of the Pothecary name lives on.

The Meaning of the Pothecary Surname

The Pothecary surname has a rich and varied history, with its origins in the pottery trade of medieval England. The name has evolved over the centuries and has spread to different parts of the world, where individuals with the surname carry on the legacy of their ancestors. The Pothecary surname is a testament to the enduring nature of family names and the diverse ways in which they can shape our identities and histories.

The surname Pothecary in the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The same happens in the case of Pothecary, which as you can corroborate, it can be said it is a surname that may be found in all the countries of the globe. Just as you will find nations in which certainly the thickness of individuals because of the surname Pothecary is greater than in other countries.

The map of the Pothecary surname

1. England (692)
2. Wales (141)
3. Australia (58)
4. Canada (46)
5. South Africa (22)
6. New Zealand (19)
7. Scotland (8)
8. United States (7)
9. Netherlands (6)
10. Germany (5)
11. United Arab Emirates (4)
12. Nothern Ireland (2)
13. Norway (2)
14. Brazil (1)
15. Spain (1)
16. Ireland (1)
17. Pakistan (1)
18. Thailand (1)