Annett

The surname Annett is of English origin, with its earliest records dating back to the 13th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old English personal name "Anneta," a diminutive form of the female name "Anne," which itself is derived from the Hebrew name "Hannah," meaning "grace" or "favor."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Annett can be found in the Hundred Rolls of Cambridgeshire from 1273, which mentions a person named John Annet. The name also appears in the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex from 1296, where a Robert Annet is listed.

During the medieval period, the name was often spelled in various ways, including Annet, Anett, Annett, and Annette. It is possible that the name may have originated from a place name, as was common with many English surnames, but no definitive records have been found to confirm this theory.

In the 16th century, the surname Annett can be found in parish records from various parts of England, including Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, and Somerset. One notable bearer of the name was Sir John Annett (c. 1530-1596), a prominent English merchant and diplomat who served as Lord Mayor of London in 1586.

Another historical figure with the surname Annett was Peter Annett (c. 1601-1670), an English Puritan clergyman and writer who was a vocal supporter of the Parliamentary cause during the English Civil War.

Moving into the 17th and 18th centuries, the Annett family continued to be present in various regions of England. In 1624, a Robert Annett is recorded as being a freeman of the City of London, while in 1673, a John Annett is listed as a landowner in Somerset.

One notable bearer of the name in the 19th century was Alfred Annett (1835-1914), a British artist and painter who was known for his landscapes and portraits. Another was Mary Annett (1839-1924), an English author and educator who wrote several books on history and literature.

As the surname spread across the English-speaking world, it can be found among early settlers in North America and other regions. For example, Thomas Annett (c. 1615-1694) was one of the first settlers in the colony of Massachusetts Bay, arriving in the 1630s.

Overall, the surname Annett has a rich history that can be traced back to medieval England, with various spellings and notable bearers contributing to its legacy over the centuries.