The Potts Family History

What Does the Potts Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Potts, found in both England and Scotland, is derived from the Old English word ‘pott,’ signifying a hole, and the Middle English term ‘pot,’ which denotes a container used for liquids or storage purposes. Variations of the surname include Pot and Pott. In England, the highest concentration of individuals bearing the Potts surname is located in the northeastern region, particularly within the counties of Northumberland, Durham, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cheshire, and Staffordshire. In Scotland, the name is prevalent throughout much of the country, with notable populations in the counties of Angus, Lanarkshire, Midlothian, Renfrewshire, Selkirkshire, Wigtownshire, and Dunbartonshire. In the United States, Potts families primarily settled in states such as Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio. Noteworthy individuals with the Potts surname include Annie Potts, a distinguished actress known for her work in film and television; Robert “Daddy” Potts, a professional football player; Edward Potts, a 19th-century architect from England; Mike Potts, a professional baseball player; Joe Potts, a Scottish race car driver; John Potts, who was instrumental in founding Pottstown and Pottsville in Pennsylvania during the 18th century; Roosevelt Potts, another professional football player; Steve Potts, a musician; William Potts, the inventor of the three-light traffic signal system; Wallace Potts, a film screenwriter and director; and Stephen Potts, an author of children's literature in England.