Nutty

The surname Nutty is believed to have originated in England during the 12th century. It is thought to be derived from the Old English word "hnutu," meaning "nut," which was likely used as a nickname for someone who lived near a grove of nut trees or who gathered and sold nuts.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nutty can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire from 1198, where a person named Randulf Nutty is mentioned. In the 13th century, the name also appeared in the Hundred Rolls of Cambridgeshire as "Nuttey."

During the Middle Ages, the name Nutty was particularly common in the counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire. It is possible that the name was originally associated with a specific place name, such as Nuttyfield or Nuttymeadow, but no definitive evidence of this has been found.

In the 16th century, a prominent figure named John Nutty (c. 1510-1580) was a wealthy merchant and landowner in Bristol. He is known to have been involved in the trade of wool and cloth.

Another notable person with the surname Nutty was Sir Thomas Nutty (1624-1688), a member of the English gentry who served as a Member of Parliament for Oxfordshire in the late 17th century.

During the 18th century, the name Nutty appears in various parish records across England, including in the counties of Wiltshire, Somerset, and Dorset.

One of the more famous individuals with the surname Nutty was the English actor and playwright Robert Nutty (1737-1805), who was known for his comedic roles on the London stage.

In the 19th century, a notable figure was the author and poet Emily Nutty (1819-1887), whose works often explored themes of nature and rural life.

While the surname Nutty is not exceptionally rare, it has never been among the most common surnames in England or other parts of the world. However, it has a rich history that can be traced back to the Middle Ages, reflecting the diverse origins and meanings of many English surnames.