Contents [hide]

Potter History Etymology Early Origins Early History Spelling Variations Early Notables World Ranking

Ireland United States Australia New Zealand West Indies

Contemporary Notables Historic Events Related Stories Suggested Reading Sources

Potter History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Germany
Ireland

Etymology of Potter

What does the name Potter mean?

The name Potter arrived in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is a name for a maker of clay or metal storage vessels 1 which was in turn derived from the Latin word potus, meaning to drink. While this is the traditional understanding of the word, another reference states: "the term meant an apothecary or druggist." 2

Early Origins of the Potter family

The surname Potter was first found in various shires and counties throughout Britain. Search for the earliest record of the name revealed Seuard le potter who was listed in 1172 in Lincolnshire. A few years later, Geoffrey Poter was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls of Essex in 1196 and John le Potier was listed in the Pipe Rolls of Essex in 1197. Lambert le Pottur was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls of Essex in 1214. 1

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 lists Michael le Potere and John le Pottere in London, and Ranulph le Potter in Essex. 3

Secuard le Potter who appears in the Transcripts of the Charters relating to the Gilbertine Houses of Lincolnshire in 1172 and Geoffrey Poter is recorded in the Curia Regis Rolls of Leicestershire in 1196. John le Potier is listed in the Pipe Rolls of Essex in 1197 and Lambert le Pottur appears in the Curia Regis Rolls of Essex in 1214. Michael le Potere and John le Pottere are both recorded in the Hundredorum Rolls of London in 1273. 1

The Pootter variant is fairly common in America as Robert Pootter is recorded in the Omitted Chapters of Hotten's, "Original List of Persons of Quality and Others Who Went from Great Britain to the American Plantations 1600-1700" and served with Colonel Bayley's Company of Regiment of Foot in 1679-80. Later shipping records include one Stephen Pooter who emigrated from England to Philadelphia in Pennsylvania in 1859.

Early History of the Potter family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Potter research. Another 157 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1204, 1557, 1577, 1591, 1592, 1594, 1614, 1642, 1646, 1656, 1661, 1664, 1674, 1678, 1747 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Potter History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Potter Spelling Variations

Norman surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. The frequent changes in surnames are largely due to the fact that the Old and Middle English languages lacked definite spelling rules. The introduction of Norman French to England, as well as the official court languages of Latin and French, also had pronounced influences on the spelling of surnames. Since medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to any specific spelling rules, it was common to find the same individual referred to with different spellings. The name has been spelled Potter, Pottar, Poter and others.

Early Notables of the Potter family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was

Barnaby Potter (1577-1642), English provost of Queen's College, Oxford, and bishop of Carlisle, was born at Kendal, Westmorland. He was the son of Thomas Potter, a mercer and alderman of Highgate Kend...
Hannibal Potter (1592-1664), was an English clergyman and college head in Oxford during the First English Civil War; Francis Potter (1594-1678), was an English clergyman, Biblical commentator, and exp...
William Potter (fl.1656) was an English writer on banks and was appointed in 1656 registrar of debentures. One of the earliest writers on paper currency, he recommended the issue, by means of a land b...

Potter World Ranking

In the United States, the name Potter is the 376^th most popular surname with an estimated 74,610 people with that name. 4 However, in Canada, the name Potter is ranked the 668^th most popular surname with an estimated 7,830 people with that name. 5 And in France, the name Potter is the 9,574^th popular surname with an estimated 500 - 1,000 people with that name. 6 Australia ranks Potter as 312^nd with 11,399 people. 7 New Zealand ranks Potter as 330^th with 1,900 people. 8 The United Kingdom ranks Potter as 225^th with 25,912 people. 9

Migration of the Potter family to Ireland

Some of the Potter family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 61 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Potter migration to the United States +

Many English families emigrated to North American colonies in order to escape the political chaos in Britain at this time. Unfortunately, many English families made the trip to the New World under extremely harsh conditions. Overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the stormy Atlantic. Despite these hardships, many of the families prospered and went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the United States and Canada. Early North American immigration records have revealed a number of people bearing the name Potter or a variant listed above:

Potter Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Henry Potter, who arrived in Virginia in 1619
Mrs. Ann Potter, who landed in Virginia in 1620 aboard the ship "London Merchant", wife of Henry 10
Vincent Potter, who settled in New England in 1635
John Potter, aged 26, who settled in Virginia in 1635 aboard the ship "Paul"
Martha Potter, aged 20, who arrived in Virginia aboard the ship "David" in 1635 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Potter Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Joseph Potter, who arrived in Virginia in 1702 10
Mary Potter, who arrived in Virginia in 1702 10
Matthew Potter, who landed in Virginia in 1711 10
Robert Potter, his wife and three children, who settled in Georgia in 1733
Richard Potter, who landed in America in 1760-1763 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Potter Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Robert Potter, aged 24, who arrived in New York in 1812 10
Oliver Potter, aged 26, who arrived in New York in 1812 10
Johnson Potter, who landed in New York, NY in 1812 10
Henry Potter, who arrived in New York in 1822 10
Philip Potter, who landed in Washington County, Pennsylvania in 1827 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Potter Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Mr. Edward Potter, (b. 1886), aged 19, Cornish driver from Newlyn, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "Cedric" arriving at Ellis Island, New York, USA on 1905 en route to Braddock, Pennsylvania, USA 11
Mr. John Thomas Potter, (b. 1882), aged 23, Cornish fitter from Redruth, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "St Paul" arriving at Ellis Island, New York, USA on 25th June 1905 en route to Grass Valley, California, USA 11

Potter migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Potter Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Edward Potter, who arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1749-1752
Cornelius Potter, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1760
Levi Potter, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1760
Mr. Robert Potter U.E. who settled in Saint John, New Brunswick c. 1784 12
Mr. William Potter U.E. who settled in Eastern District [Cornwall], Ontario c. 1784 12

Potter Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Mr. Thomas Potter, aged 24 who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "Minerva" departing from the port of Minerva, Galway but died on Grosse Isle in August 1847 13

Potter migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Potter Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century

Mr. Samuel Potter, English convict who was convicted in Seaford, East Sussex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Barwell" in September 1797, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 14

Potter Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. William Potter, (Taylor), English convict who was convicted in Surrey, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Baring" in April 1815, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 15
Mr. John Potter, Scottish convict who was convicted in Ayr, Scotland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 16th January 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 16
Mr. William Potter, English convict who was convicted in Surrey, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Canada" on 23rd April 1819, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 17
Mr. John Potter, British Convict who was convicted in London, England for life for burglary, transported aboard the "Caledonia" on 5th July 1820, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 18
Mr. John Potter, (b. 1803), aged 19, English convict who was convicted in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Eliza" on 13th July 1822, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 19
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Potter migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Potter Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Mr. John Potter, (b. 1816), aged 25, British boot and shoe maker travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Lord William Bentinck" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 24th May 1841 20
Mr. H. Potter, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Sir Edward Paget" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 25th May 1853 21
Mr. William Potter, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Lord Ashley" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 14th October 1858 20
Mrs. Eliza Potter, British settler travelling from London with 3 children aboard the ship "Lord Ashley" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 14th October 1858 20
Mrs. H. Potter, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Egmont" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 14th June 1858 20
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Potter (post 1700) +

Beatrix Potter (1866-1943), born Helen Beatrix Potter, an English writer, illustrator, natural scientist, and conservationist, best known for her children's books featuring animals, especially The Tale of Peter Rabbit, which after being turned down by 6 publishers, she self-published, and was later commercially published selling more than 250 million copies., she later patented a stuffed toy, making him the oldest licensed character
K. C. Potter (1939-2024), American academic administrator
Joseph E. Potter (d. 2024), American sociologist, demographer, and professor of sociology at the University of Texas at Austin
Mike Potter (1949-2022), American NASCAR driver from Johnson City, Tennessee, his best career finish was a 15th at Nashville Speedway in 1981
Karl Harrington Potter (1927-2022), American-born writer, academic, Indologist for the University of Washington from Oakland, California
Earl H. Potter III (1947-2016), American university administrator of St. Cloud State University
Dean S. Potter (1972-2015), American free climber, alpinist, BASE jumper, BASEliner, and highliner who died during a wingsuit flight in Yosemite
Henry Potter (1881-1995), American Olympic sliver medalist for golf at the 1904 games
Brigadier-General Waldo Charles Potter (1885-1971), American Chairman of 2nd Section, War Department Manpower Board (1943-1945) 22
John William Potter (1918-2013), United States federal judge
... (Another 26 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Potter family +

Air New Zealand Flight 901

Mr. Michael Arthur Edwin Potter (1926-1979), New Zealander passenger, from Whangaparoa, Auckland, New Zealand aboard the Air New Zealand Flight 901 for an Antarctic sightseeing flight when it flew into Mount Erebus; he died in the crash 23

Empress of Ireland

Master Willard Potter (1905-1914), Canadian Second Class Passenger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 24
Mr. WiIlliam Scott Potter (1873-1914), "Brigadier" Canadian Second Class Passenger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 24

Halifax Explosion

Mr. James Potter (1858-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 25

HMAS Sydney II

Mr. Clyde Ashby Potter (1914-1941), Australian Acting Supply Petty Officer from Claremont, Western Australia, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 26
Mr. Alfred William Potter (1923-1941), Australian Ordinary Seaman from South Geelong, Victoria, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 26

HMS Prince of Wales

Mr. William Potter, British Able Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and died in the sinking 27
Mr. E Potter, British Stoker 2nd Class, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 27

HMS Royal Oak

Thomas W. Potter, British Marine with the Royal Marine aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he survived the sinking 28
Stanley Potter (1920-1939), British Seaman with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 28
Arthur Potter (1922-1939), British Boy 1st Class with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 28

RMS Lusitania

Mr. Benjamin Potter, English Waiter from Horley, Surrey, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 29
Mr. Walter Potter, Canadian 2nd Class passenger from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 30

RMS Titanic

Mrs. Lily Alexenia Potter, (née Wilson), aged 56, American First Class passenger from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and survived the sinking escaping in life boat 7 31

SS Atlantic

Fred Potter, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, survived the sinking

Sources +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_ellis_island_1892_on.pdf
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 51)
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 29th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/barwell
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/baring
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th July 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/atlas
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 9th December 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/canada
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 25th November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/caledonia
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 15th February 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/eliza
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
Generals of World War II. (Retrieved 2014, March 26) Waldo Potter. Retrieved from http://generals.dk/general/Potter/Waldo_Charles/USA.html
Mount Erebus, Memorial, Roll of Remembrance (Retrieved 2018, February 21st). Retrieved from http://www.erebus.co.nz/memorialandawards/rollofremembrance.aspx
Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance
HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp
HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html
Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 7) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 6) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
Titanic Passenger List - Titanic Facts. (Retrieved 2016, July 13) . Retrieved from http://www.titanicfacts.net/titanic-passenger-list.html