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Surname Pitcher - Meaning and Origin

all surnames with 'P'

Discovering my Heritage: A Pitcher's Journey Through the iGENEA DNA Test

The iGENEA DNA test has proven to be a revelation, opening up intriguing insights into the history linked to the Pitcher surname. The uncomplicated process and fascinating results led to the discovery of a historical community of Pitchers from across the globe.

Y. Pitcher

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Pitcher: What does the surname Pitcher mean?

The surname Pitcher has many possible origins. One possible origin is an occupational name derived from the Middle English word "picher" or "picture" for someone who was a maker of pottery or pitchers. This surname could also be a habitational name from a place named Picton, located in Lancashire, England and Picton Castle in Wales. The name Picton is derived from the late Latin word "pictorius" which means 'painted', referring to the painted house, castle or villa in which the original bearer lived.

Another possible origin for the surname Pitcher is fidelity. A popular custom in the Middle Ages was for knights returning from the Crusades to give a picture of their beloved in an adorned pitcher, symbolizing their fidelity to their lives at home. Thus, the surname could refer to a person who was associated with fidelity or someone who received such a pitcher as a reward.

The surname Pitcher could also be derived from a nickname or sobriquet. It is possible that some bearers of the name may have received it based on their physical stature or based on characteristics of their personality such as being a good negotiator.

In the end, the exact origin of the surname Pitcher is not known and can be a combination of several different possibilities. However, one common theme that stands out is that it is usually associated with pottery or pitchers, fidelity, and characteristics of the person bearing the name.

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Pitcher: Where does the name Pitcher come from?

The last name Pitcher is primarily found in the United States today, though its origin lies in England and other parts of the British Isles. In the United States, it is most common in the northeastern region, particularly in Massachusetts. Within the state, the highest concentration of Pitchers can be found in greater Boston and the surrounding areas. Elsewhere in the United States, the surname is found primarily along the east coast, the Midwest, and the south. It is less common in the far western and southwestern regions.

It is believed that the name Pitcher is derived from the Middle English word “pichere”, which means someone who works with large containers. Over time, the name has evolved into the surname we know today. Additionally, it is possible that the name originated as a nickname for someone who was skilled at pitching horseshoes or baseball, or even for the occupation of a water-carrier or pitcher-maker.

As genetic testing and family genealogy become more popular, more Pitchers are learning of their family’s roots. Through these searches, some families are able to trace their origins back to England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, and even further back to the mid-14th century.

Although the name is more commonly found in the United States today, people who carry the last name Pitcher can be found in many other countries around the world as well. From Jamaica to Australia, New Zealand to Canada, Pitchers are spread far and wide, connecting people from all over the world.

Variations of the surname Pitcher

The surname Pitcher is derived from the Old French word ‘picher’, which means ‘pottery’ or ‘pitcher’. The name is common in several English-speaking countries, mainly in the US and Canada.

Variant spellings of the name Pitcher include Piecher, Pictcher, Pichter, Picther, Pitchar, Pictar, Picther, Pickher, and Pickard. Other surnames of similar origins are Picot, Pichon, Pechon, Piket, and Pickett.

In the UK, the Pitcher surname is most commonly seen in the Midlands area, primarily in Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, and Nottinghamshire. The US Census Bureau estimates that there are around 39,000 people in the US with the name Pitcher, distributed primarily in the South. In Canada, the Pitcher surname is predominantly found in British Columbia and Ontario.

Over time, Pitcher and its variants have had various spellings and pronunciations. In some cases, the spelling was changed to “picture”, as in William Pichor who was recorded in 1427 in the court rolls of Cambridgeshire, England. Other variants believe to be of the same surname origin are Bachard, Peckard, and Pecarard.

The Pitcher surname is thought to be occupational, with its original reference to pottery. Some branches of the Pitcher family were then said to have become professional potters or even winemakers. Other branches of the family may have worked as merchants. Ultimately, the exact origin of the Pitcher surname is unknown and will likely remain a mystery.

Famous people with the name Pitcher

  • Warren Spahn: Warren Spahn was an American professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball from 1942 to 1965. He is one of the most successful left-handed pitchers in history, and is considered to be one of the greatest pitchers of all time. Spahn won 363 games, more than any other lefty pitcher and fourth all-time behind Cy Young, Grover Cleveland Alexander, and Walter Johnson. He was the professional pitcher with the most playing time in the Major Leagues with 20 years.
  • Justin Verlander: Justin Verlander is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball (MLB). He currently ranks second in all-time strikeouts among active major league pitchers. Michael Pineda is the only pitcher with more strikeouts. Verlander was the AL Rookie of the Year in 2006, and was named to six All-Star teams. He won both the AL Cy Young Award and the AL MVP Award in 2011. In 2017, he finished second in AL Cy Young Award voting behind Corey Kluber.
  • Bob Feller: Bob Feller was an American professional baseball pitcher who starred in Major League Baseball for the Cleveland Indians. He is best known for his traditional right-arm speed, overwhelming fastball and sharp-breaking curveball. Feller was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, further enhancing his legacy. From 1939 to 1941, he averaged 26 wins, 240 strikeouts and walked just 61 batters. During his 18-year career, Feller was an eight-time All-Star, three-time World Champion and led the American league in strikeouts seven times.
  • Emmett Ashford: Emmett Ashford, nicknamed the “First Gentleman of Baseball”, was an American professional baseball pitcher and umpire. He made his major league debut in 1953 with the Cleveland Indians and went on to pitch for various teams over the course of his career. Ashford also served as an umpire in both the major and minor leagues. As a pitcher, he was known for his ability to throw knuckleballs and off-speed pitches.
  • Jonathan Pitcher: Jonathan Pitcher was an American professional baseball pitcher. He played for the Philadelphia Phillies (1899–1909), Brooklyn Superbas (1910–1911), and New York Highlanders (1912–1914). Pitcher was considered a “power pitcher” in his time, winning 173 games during his 15-year career. He used a nine-pitch repertoire, which included a fastball, curveball, sinker, slider, and change-up.

Other surnames

PaalPaalenPaalsPaandiPaapPaapePaaschPaaschePaaschenPaavilainenPabstPäbstPabstmannPabusPacaciPaceleyPacettiPacettyPachPachecoPachicoPachmannPachmayerPachmayrPachtelPachtellPachterPächterPaciecco

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