The origin of the name PERROTT is far from clear. The most common explanation is that it means “little Peter”, with Peter having derived from the Latin name Petrus which in turn comes from the Greek word for a stone. Other similar names also said to mean “little Peter” include, Perrin, Perron, Parrell and Perowne.

Interestingly, the English word “parrot,” for the talking bird, was not in use until the 16th century, much later than this word’s use as a surname.

The publication “Burkes Commoners” states that the ancient family of Perrott derived their name from Castle Perrott, in Brittany, built in 957, by William de Perrott, whose great-grandson Sir Richard Perrott, Seigneur de Perrott in 1066, furnished William of Normandy with his quota of ships and men, accompanied the expedition to England, and settling in Somerset.

The surname Perrott was first found in Pembrokeshire where they were apparently granted the lands of Ystington, Haroldston, and Carew Castle in that shire by King William for their assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D. Sir Stephen Perrott married Helen, the daughter of Marchion Ap Rice, Prince of South Wales at the beginning of the 12th century. “The valour and magnanimity of Sir Stephen gained him the respect and love of the Princess Ellyn’s people. Their son, Sir Andrew, claimed the kingdom of Wales, in right of his mother, and collected a body of forces in assertion of his right, but the King of England marched a numerous army into the country to take advantage of the disorders; the knowledge of which and a sum of money offered by the English king, through the Bishop of St. David’s, brought him to declare for that prince, who knighted him, on his doing homage for the land for twenty miles round Sir William’s camp, whereon he built the Castle of Narbeth, whose ruins are extant in Pembroke.” [Burke, John Bernard, The Roll of Battle Abbey. London: Edward Churton, 26, Holles Street, 1848].

Perrott Spelling Variations

A multitude of spelling variations characterize Norman surnames. Many variations occurred because Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules. The introduction of Norman French to England also had a pronounced effect, as did the court languages of Latin and French. Therefore, one person was often referred to by several different spellings in a single lifetime. The various spellings include Perrot, Parrott, Parrot, Perrott, Perot, Perott, Perrett and many more.