Surname Pendergraft - Meaning and Origin

Pendergraft: What does the surname Pendergraft mean?

The surname Pendergraft is of English origin, specifically from the northern region of the country. The name is a form of Prendergast, a surname of Welsh origin. This surname is derived from the Welsh words "prender," meaning "thicket," and "gast," meaning "land." So the original meaning of Pendergraft refers to someone who lived near or in a wooded or shrub-filled area. Over time, names often undergo changes in spelling and pronunciation due to regional accents, resulting in variations like Pendergraft. It's also important to note that surnames were often given based on one's occupation, the place they lived, or their father's name, providing an insight into the lives of our ancestors. Today, individuals with the surname Pendergraft can be found predominantly in the United States.

Pendergraft: Where does the name Pendergraft come from?

The surname Pendergraft is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the southeastern region. This area- of-origin of this name is primarily thought to be in the state of Alabama due to its prevalence and concentration. Furthermore, it is considered an "Americanized" name originating from Germanic or Dutch origins.

Pendergraft is an uncommon name and its rare population is slowly dispersing over the United States. It is most commonly associated with Alabama, particularly the western part, but appears also in other states such as Mississippi, Florida, Arkansas, and Texas. North Carolina and Virginia also contain small pocket population of Pendergrafts.

The popularity of the Pendergraft name has increased less than other surnames. Census records for the past 20 years have shown a steady decline overall in population size but, some states have seen small increases. Tennessee and Texas are areas of growth for the Pendergraft surname.

The Pendergraft name is preserved in multiple genealogy forums, websites, and databases for members of the Pendergraft family and their descendants interested in furthering their family history.

With the internet, the Pendergraft surname is becoming more well-known and is unlikely to become an extinct name.

Variations of the surname Pendergraft

The surname Pendergraft is a patronymic name derived from the Germanic first name Pendragon, which translates to "chief dragon." Historically, the name Pendragon is believed to be derived from the name Pen-Dragon, referring to the dragon at the head of a mount or mountain. Variants of the surname Pendergraft include Pendergraph, Pendergrass, and Penderghast, as well as Pendragas, Pindar, Pinder, and Pendradg. Other surnames of similar origin, though not related to Pendergraft, include Penderyn, Penpoll, Pendegraft, Penderveston, and Penderwild.

The spelling of the name Pendergraft has changed over time. Pendergrass was popular in the 1700s, and the name has also been recorded as Pendergraph in the 1600s. In some parts of Germany and England, the name has been documented as Pendragas and Pindar, while in the Netherlands it has been documented as Penderveston.

Overseas, the Pendergraft surname has been spelt differently due to changes in language and culture. In France, the name is recorded as Pendegraft; in Russia, Penderyn; and in the United States, Penderwild.

No matter which spelling or variant of the name Pendergraft may be used, all variants, spellings and surnames are related by ancestry and share the same origin.

Famous people with the name Pendergraft

• Coach Pendergraft: John "Coach P" Pendergraft is an American football coach currently working as the offensive coordinator of the University of Wyoming Cowboys football team.
• Cael Pendergraft: Cael Pendergraft is an American actor best known for his roles in the films Venom (2018) and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017).
• Molly Pendergraft: Molly Pendergraft is an American swimmer who competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics.
• Patrick Pendergraft: Patrick Pendergraft is a former Major League Soccer midfielder who played for three different clubs.
• Tommy Pendergraft: Tommy Pendergraft is an American child actor who is best known for his role in the DC superhero television series Titans.
• Randy Pendergraft: Randy Pendergraft is an American music producer and songwriter who works with a variety of recording artists including country and pop music stars.
• Ben Pendergraft: Ben Pendergraft is an American professional skateboarder who has won several X-Games medals, as well as held the honor of being the first skateboarder to land a 1080 on a MegaRamp.
• Tanner Pendergraft: Tanner Pendergraft is an American record producer, vocalist, and songwriter who has worked on music for TV, film, and games.
• Gary Pendergraft: Gary Pendergraft is an American film editor who has worked on such films as Magic Mike (2012), Bridesmaids (2011) and The Hangover Part II (2011).
• John Pendergraft: John Pendergraft is an American football coach who is currently the tight ends coach for the University of Arizona Wildcats.

Other surnames

PendergraphPendergrassPendergrast