Petty

“small, insignificant”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1478US 2023

722Births / yr

→Stable

20All-time births

📅 Since 192300

How to pronounce Petty

PET·ee

/ˈpɛt.ˌiː/ · stress on PET · 2 syllables

“small, insignificant”

American origin · Girl name

What does Petty mean and where does it come from?

Petty is an English name that has been used as both a first name and a surname. Its roots lie in the word 'petit', which means small or little in French. As a first name, Petty has seen limited usage but can be found generationally within certain American families. Its connotations of smallness may

Cultural significance

Petty has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of small, insignificant.

Peak popularity

Reached #4864 in 1931 — currently #1478 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Petty?

Petty works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Petty Grace

How popular is Petty right now?

Holding steady — currently #1478 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2023#1478 · Top 1.1%

1975

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1478	722	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1483	702	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2021	#1488	672	▲ up 7872 · +13340% births
1975	#9360	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Petty

Best Year2023Rank #1478

Peak Count722

Average Rank#3452

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1975 - 20234 years

The story of Petty

Petty entered American naming records in 1923 and has been in use for over 101 years. With 20 total births recorded, Petty remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9360 in 1975 to #1478 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Petty in 1931:

Mary Betty Dorothy Barbara Joan

Petty by decade

Petty peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →

Decade	Births
1920s ★	5
1930s	5
1950s	5
1970s	5

💎Petty has only 20 total recorded births since 1923 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Petty?

Common

PetPe

What names sound and feel like Petty?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Petty also consider these

English · God's promise

Ketty

English · Pure, unsullied

Letty

English · Joyous; happy

Patty

American · Diminutive form of

Hetty

United Kingdom · Keeper of the

Jetty

English · a name derived

Common questions about the name Petty

What does the name Petty mean?

Petty means "small, insignificant" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Petty?

Petty is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Petty?

Petty originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Petty?

Petty is a two-syllable name pronounced P EH1 T IY2. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Petty a common or rare name?

Petty is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.