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Origins of the Potter surname

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What does the name Potter mean?

Potter is an English surname, found in documents dating back to the 1200s where it is considered relatively common. It is an occupational surname, given to those who made or worked with pots and pottery. Because of the humble origins and common occupation it is based upon, the name is spread throughout Britain.

Alternative variations of the name Potter

Potter, Pottar, Poter, Powter, Patter

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Where do most Potters live?

In 1921, most Potters lived in London.


Census records trace your ancestors through each generation, so you can follow where your relatives lived through each decade.

Interesting facts about Potters

How common is your surname?

184th most common surname in the UK

We have 196,000 records for the Potter surname. The oldest one dates back to 1486.

Who were Potters most likely to marry?

Smiths

&

Browns

Our Marriage record sets tell us which families married Potters.

What are the most common Potter first names?

  • John
  • William
  • Mary
  • Elizabeth

Our birth record sets tell us the names of Potter family members

Common jobs for Potters

Men and women often performed different types of jobs, so these are displayed by gender to maintain their historical accuracy.

Common Female occupations for Potters in 1921
Dressmaker

902

Laundress

543

Domestic Servant

469

General Servant Domestic

427

Living On Own Means

354

Common Male occupations for Potters in 1921
Agricultural Labourer

1,118

General Labourer

679

Coal Miner

587

Farm Labourer

585

Farmer

571

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We found over 230,000 family trees with the Potter surname

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