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Note that one form confusion with "Bhat" stems from some South Asian people with that surname spelling it "Butt".
 
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{{distinguish|text=the South Asian surname [[Bhat]], sometimes spelled "Butt"}}
'''Butt''' is a distorted form of ''[[Bhat]]'' which originates from [[Sanskrit]] (भट) meaning "scholar" according to ''{{IAST|[[Brāhmaṇa]]}}'', which denotes to [[poet]], [[scholar]], [[teacher]], [[priest]], [[caste]], [[Social class|class]] ({{IAST|varṇa}}), or [[tribe]].<ref>For definition of {{lang|sa|ब्राह्मण}} ''{{IAST|brāhmaṇa}}'', with last syllable showing a Vedic accent, used as a noun as "m. (having to do with Brahman ''or'' divine knowledge), one learned in the Veda, theologian, priest, {{IAST|Brāhman}}, man of the first four castes"; and definition of {{lang|sa|ब्राह्मण}} ''{{IAST|brāhmaṇa}}'', with only first syllable showing a Vedic accent, used as an adjective as "''a''. (i) belonging to a {{IAST|Brāhman}}, Brāhmanic", see: {{Harvnb|Macdonell|1924|p=199}}.</ref>

It is a German and also an English surname whose origins lie in the [[South West England|South West]] peninsula region of [[England]].<ref name="Internet Surname Database" />
'''Butt''' is a German and an English surname whose origins lie in the [[South West England|South West]] peninsula region of [[England]].<ref name="Internet Surname Database" />


== Etymology ==
== Etymology ==
The surname Butt or Butts is said to be derived from the [[French language|French]] word "but" which is a noun meaning "target".<ref name="Internet Surname Database">{{cite web|url=http://www.surnamedb.com/surname.aspx?name=Butt|title=Butt surname meaning|work=SurnameDB, The Internet Surname Database|publisher=Name Origin Research|accessdate=2009-02-12}}</ref> The English name is derived from the [[Middle English]] word "but", a noun meaning a mark for archery, a target or goal, or someone's rear end. The name may derive from ''butt'',{{vague|date=August 2016|reason=appears editor didn't know what language, or perhaps contributed before others added languages of origin}} a strip of ploughland shorter than the average length of one [[furlong]].<ref name="White">White, William (1878). ''Notes and queries, Volume 58''. Oxford University Press</ref>
The surname Butt or Butts is said to be derived from the [[French language|French]] word "but" which is a noun meaning "target".<ref name="Internet Surname Database">{{cite web|url=http://www.surnamedb.com/surname.aspx?name=Butt|title=Butt surname meaning|work=SurnameDB, The Internet Surname Database|publisher=Name Origin Research|accessdate=2009-02-12}}</ref> The English name is derived from the [[Middle English]] word "but", a noun meaning a mark for archery, a target or goal, or someone's rear end. The name may derive from the ''butt'',{{vague|date=August 2016|reason=appears editor didn't know what language, or perhaps contributed before others added languages of origin}} a strip of ploughland shorter than the average length of one [[furlong]].<ref name="White">White, William (1878). ''Notes and queries, Volume 58''. Oxford University Press</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
*Asian-European Link-
In 1995, geneticist Cavalli-Sforza wrote, "The Caucasoids are mainly fair-skinned peoples, but this group also includes the southern Indians, who live in tropical areas and show signs of a marked darkening in skin pigmentation, although their facial and body traits are Caucasoid rather than African or Australian", owing to a possibility that Butts both European and Asian may have had a common origin. It is thought that Butts were at one time [[Jewish]] who were settled in present-day [[Nablus]] and [[Jerusalem]], and eventually migrated to other parts of the world. Some migrated towards [[Persia]] and eventually into [[Kashmir]] becoming [[Hindus]] and [Buddhists]], while others migrated to [[Europe]] and eventually settled in [[Germany]] and [[England]] and became [[Christians]].

[[Anglo-Normans|Anglo-Norman]] names are characterised by a multitude of spelling variations. When the [[Normans]] became the ruling people of England in the 11th century, they introduced a new language into a society where the main languages of [[Old English|Old]] and later Middle English had no definite spelling rules. These languages were more often spoken than written, so they blended freely with one another. Contributing to this mixing of tongues was the fact that medieval scribes spelled words according to sound, ensuring that a person's name would appear differently in nearly every document in which it was recorded. The name has been spelled Butt, But, Butte and others.
[[Anglo-Normans|Anglo-Norman]] names are characterised by a multitude of spelling variations. When the [[Normans]] became the ruling people of England in the 11th century, they introduced a new language into a society where the main languages of [[Old English|Old]] and later Middle English had no definite spelling rules. These languages were more often spoken than written, so they blended freely with one another. Contributing to this mixing of tongues was the fact that medieval scribes spelled words according to sound, ensuring that a person's name would appear differently in nearly every document in which it was recorded. The name has been spelled Butt, But, Butte and others.

===South Asia===
Butts are said to be descendants of ancient [[Vedic]], [[Dardic]] and [[Iranic]] [[tribes]] that began to inhabit the Kashmir Valley in 2000 BC. They were known as [[Kashmiri Pandits]], which traditionally refers to people within the priestly [[Brahmin]] [[caste]] of Hinduism. <ref>For definition of the neuter noun ''{{IAST|brahman}}'' (with Vedic accent on first syllable) as "n. the class of men who are the repositories and communicators of sacred knowledge, the Bramānical caste as a body (rarely an individual Brāhman)"; and the masuline noun ''{{IAST|brahman}}'' (with Vedic accent on final syllable) as "one who prays, a devout or religious man, a Brāhman who is a knower of Vedic texts or spells, one versed in sacred knowledge", see: MW, pp. 737-738.</ref> More specifically they are speculated as being decendents of [[Saraswat Brahmin]]s, who are mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures as inhabiting the [[Saraswati River]] valley, the geographic location of which is unknown. The actual origins of this community and the circumstances of its relocation to the areas that they now inhabit are shrouded in mystery. An ancient legend mentions that [[Parashuram]], an avatar of Vishnu is said to have carved the community out of the five sons of Raja Ratten Sen. Saraswat Brahmins are originally from what is today [[Kashmir]], but can also be traced into Punjab and as far as [[Sindh]] in southern [[Pakistan]]. The reason for the migration is unknown. Butts trace their origins back to [[Kashmiri Pandit]]s (Hindi: कश्मीरी पण्डित) which refers to a person who belongs to a sect of Hindu Pandits who originated from the Kashmir region are were usually skilled in [[Sanskrit]] and Hindu [[law]], [[religion]], [[music]] or [[philosophy]]. They have the earliest recorded history in Kashmir and have also been mentioned in the [[Mahabharata]].<ref>For definition of the noun {{lang|sa|ब्राह्मणः}} ''{{IAST|brāhmaṇaḥ}}'' as "1. A man belonging to the first of the four classes (''{{IAST|varṇas}}'' instead of ''castes'' in Apte's Skt-Hindi dictionary) of the Hindus, a {{IAST|Brāhmaṇa}}(priest) (born from the mouth of the ''Purusha'')"; and the adjective {{lang|sa|ब्राह्मण}} ''{{IAST|brāhmaṇa}}'' as "''a''. 1. Belonging to a {{IAST|Brāhmaṇa}}", and other meanings, see: {{Harvnb|Apte|1965|p=707}} ,{{Harvnb|Apte|1966|p=724-25}} ; on p.901 of the latter, Apte gave one of the meanings of {{IAST|varṇa}} as ''caste'' but qualified it with a statement :"mainly people of four {{IAST|varṇas}} of {{IAST|brāhmaṇa (scholars,priests), kṣatriya (warriors), vaiśya (merchants), śudra (artisans)}}", and did not permit use of the term {{IAST|varṇa}} for any caste other than these four.</ref> Butts were also said to be followers of [[Buddhism]] at various points in time related culturally to the great [[Gandhar]] and as a result there culture shows various influences from ancient [[Vedic]], [[Ancient Greece|Greek]] and [[Kushan]] cultures. They have contributed greatly to [[Culture of India|Indian culture]] through excellence in [[Sanskrit]], [[mathematics]] and [[science]]. [[Panini]] and [[Chanakya]] were of the ''Bhat'' tribe, ancestors of today's Butts.<ref>For definition of ''{{IAST|brāhmaṇa}}'', with last syllable showing Vedic accents, as a noun, "''m''., one who has divine knowledge, a {{IAST|Brāhman}}. a man belonging to the 1st of the 3 twice-born classes and of the 4 original divisions of the {{IAST|Hindū}} body", and the adjective ''{{IAST|brāhmaṇa}}'', with first syllable showing a Vedic accent, as "relating to or given by a {{IAST|Brāhman}}, befitting or becoming a Br., Brāhmanical", see: Monier-Williams, p. 741, middle column. Cf. Rgveda, Pune Edition, vol-5 (index), p.408 in which all occurrences of
''{{IAST|brāhmaṇa}}'' as first person singular show anudātta (absence of accent) on first two syllables. </ref> According to many Hindus, the scholarly work of Butts were "destroyed" during the advent of Islam in Kashmir and many Kashmiri Pandits were "forced to convert", although this claim has refused by many Muslims and Butts alike. In the late 13th century during the reign of Emperor [[Alamgir]], many converted to Islam. Today, most Butts are [[Muslim]], although some still practice [[Hinduism]] and some also [[Christianity]], and more specifically, [[Catholicism]].<ref>A Glossary of the Tribes and Castes of the Punjab and Northwest Provinces, compiled by H.A. Rose, Vol II, Page 98</ref>

*Family & Culture of Asian butts:-
Like other Kashmiri families, the social structure is based on the [[extended family]]. However the wider [[kinship]] network of ''biraderi'' and how it impacts on relations and mobilization is equally important. The extended family is of fundamental importance as a unit of decision making and with respect to the relations of its members with wider society. The institution of ''biraderi'' – which means brotherhood in a relatively loose sense – provides a useful collective framework for promoting mutual well-being. This is achieved through help and co-operation in [[social]], [[economic]] and [[political]] spheres and it reinforces a sense of belonging and collective self-assurance.<ref>[http://www.rcpbml.org.uk/wdie-07/DiCoIdFo.htm Diasporic Communities and Identity Formation:<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Butts today are mainly trilingual, speaking various languages, mainly [[Urdu]], [[Koshur]] and [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]. Koshur is a unique language spoken mainly in the Kashmir Valley. Koshur can also be referred to as a "culture" which differs greatly from other non-Kashmiris in neighbouring [[Mirpur]], [[Poonch]] and [[Jammu]]. Many Koshur speaking Kashmiris settled in upper and central Punjab from 1800 onwards because of famine and bad social and economic conditions due to foreign occupation. Butts today have adopted Punjabi culture but identify themselves as ethnic Kashmiris. Butts are closely related to other Kashmiri tribes and clans. The [[Mir (tribe)|Mir]] family are a sub caste of Butts and are predominantly found in [[Kotli]] and [[Khuiratta]], [[indo-pak kasmir]] who fled the [[Kashmir Valley]] during the 1800 drought. [[Dar]], [[Lone]], [[Khawaja]] and [[Sheikhs]] are also Kashmiri tribes and clans which are closely related to Butts.



===England===
===England===
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===Migration to Canada===
===Migration to Canada===
{{unreferenced section|date=January 2013}}
{{unreferenced section|date=January 2013}}
For many English families, the political and religious disarray that plagued their homeland made the frontiers of the [[New World]] an attractive prospect. Thousands migrated, aboard cramped disease-ridden ships. They arrived sick, poor and hungry, but were welcomed in many cases with far greater opportunity than at home in England. Many of these hardy settlers went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations in which they landed. Among early immigrants bearing the name Butt or a variant listed above were, Roger Butt who settled in [[Carbonear]], [[Newfoundland]], in 1675, John Butt who settled in [[Conception Bay]], Newfoundland, in 1706 and Joseph Butt settled in Crockers Bay, Newfoundland, in the same year.
For many English families, the political and religious disarray that plagued their homeland made the frontiers of the [[New World]] an attractive prospect. Thousands migrated, aboard cramped disease-ridden ships. They arrived sick, poor and hungry, but were welcomed in many cases with far greater opportunity than at home in England. Many of these hardy settlers went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations in which they landed. Among early immigrants bearing the name Butt or a variant listed above were, Roger Butt who settled in [[Carbonear, Newfoundland]], in 1675, John Butt who settled in [[Conception Bay]], Newfoundland, in 1706 and Joseph Butt settled in [[Crocker's Cove, Newfoundland]], in the same year.


===France===
===France===
The Butt family is claimed to be originally from the village named But in [[Normandy]], France and is patronymic in origin.{{cn|date=March 2022}}
The Butt family is claimed to be originally from the village named But in [[Normandy]], France and is patronymic in origin.


===Germany===
===Germany===
An early reference to a related surname dates back to 1266 where Conrad Dictus Butze is registered in [[Freiburg]], Germany.<ref name="freidrichs">Friederichs, Heinz Friedrich (1978). ''Walther von der Vogelweide.'' Degener, {{ISBN|978-3-7686-6014-3}} p. 71.</ref>
An early reference to a related surname dates back to 1266 where Conrad Dictus Butze is registered in [[Freiburg]], Germany.<ref name="freidrichs">Friederichs, Heinz Friedrich (1978). ''Walther von der Vogelweide.'' Degener, {{ISBN|978-3-7686-6014-3}} p. 71.</ref>

==Geographical Distribution==
*[[Asia]]
*[[United Kingdom]]
**[[England]]
***[[Cornwall]]
***[[Devon]]
*[[Canada]]
**[[Newfoundland and Labrador]]


==Notable people with the surname Butt==
==Notable people with the surname Butt==
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*[[Dudley Butt]], Manx politician
*[[Dudley Butt]], Manx politician
*[[Gavin Butt]], British art historian
*[[Gavin Butt]], British art historian
*[[The Great Gama|Ghulam Mohammad Baksh Butt]], Pakistani wrestler known as "The Great Gama"
*[[Gizz Butt]], British musician
*[[Gizz Butt]], British musician
*[[Hans-Jörg Butt]], German goalkeeper
*[[Hans-Jörg Butt]], German goalkeeper
Line 68: Line 48:
*[[Miriam Butt]], German linguist
*[[Miriam Butt]], German linguist
*[[Nicky Butt]], English footballer
*[[Nicky Butt]], English footballer
*[[Osman Khalid Butt]], Pakistani actor
*[[Peter Butt]], Australian filmmaker
*[[Peter Butt]], Australian filmmaker
*[[Ray Butt]], British film and television producer
*[[Ray Butt]], British film and television producer
*[[Raymond Butt]], British schoolteacher
*[[Raymond Butt]], British schoolteacher
*[[Salman Butt]], Pakistani cricketer
*[[Simon Butt]], British diplomat
*[[Simon Butt]], British diplomat
*[[Sonya Butt]], a female [[Special Operations Executive|S.O.E.]] agent during the [[Second World War]]
*[[Sonya Butt]], a female [[Special Operations Executive|S.O.E.]] agent during the [[Second World War]]
*[[Tameka Butt]], Australian association footballer
*[[Tameka Butt]] (now Tameka Yallop), Australian association footballer
*[[Tom Butt]], American politician in California
*[[Tom Butt]], American politician in California
*[[Wilfrid Butt]], British endocrinologist
*[[Wilfrid Butt]], British endocrinologist
*[[William Butt]], American politician in Georgia
*[[William Butt]], American politician in Georgia
*[[Yondani Butt]], orchestral conductor born in Macao
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}

==See also==
*[[But (surname)]]
*[[Butts (surname)]]


== References ==
== References ==

Latest revision as of 05:49, 20 August 2024

Not to be confused with the South Asian surname Bhat, sometimes spelled "Butt".

Butt is a German and an English surname whose origins lie in the South West peninsula region of England.[1]

Etymology

[edit]

The surname Butt or Butts is said to be derived from the French word "but" which is a noun meaning "target".[1] The English name is derived from the Middle English word "but", a noun meaning a mark for archery, a target or goal, or someone's rear end. The name may derive from the butt,[vague] a strip of ploughland shorter than the average length of one furlong.[2]

History

[edit]

Anglo-Norman names are characterised by a multitude of spelling variations. When the Normans became the ruling people of England in the 11th century, they introduced a new language into a society where the main languages of Old and later Middle English had no definite spelling rules. These languages were more often spoken than written, so they blended freely with one another. Contributing to this mixing of tongues was the fact that medieval scribes spelled words according to sound, ensuring that a person's name would appear differently in nearly every document in which it was recorded. The name has been spelled Butt, But, Butte and others.

England

[edit]

The surname can also be found in England where it is again of patronymic origin, meaning "son of Butt". First found in Middlesex where they were anciently seated, and were granted lands by William the Conqueror, and recorded in the Domesday Book compiled in 1086. An early reference to this surname in 1200 England, William de Butte is listed in Oseney. From the archery-related meaning, the surname Butt in England was originally used to describe somebody who either lived near archery butts, or someone who was actually an archer.[1] The name has been particularly popular in Devon and Cornwall since the 17th century, with a number of variants from the same origin including Butts, and two names meaning "Son of Butt": Butson and Butting.[1]

Migration to Canada

[edit]

For many English families, the political and religious disarray that plagued their homeland made the frontiers of the New World an attractive prospect. Thousands migrated, aboard cramped disease-ridden ships. They arrived sick, poor and hungry, but were welcomed in many cases with far greater opportunity than at home in England. Many of these hardy settlers went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations in which they landed. Among early immigrants bearing the name Butt or a variant listed above were, Roger Butt who settled in Carbonear, Newfoundland, in 1675, John Butt who settled in Conception Bay, Newfoundland, in 1706 and Joseph Butt settled in Crocker's Cove, Newfoundland, in the same year.

France

[edit]

The Butt family is claimed to be originally from the village named But in Normandy, France and is patronymic in origin.

Germany

[edit]

An early reference to a related surname dates back to 1266 where Conrad Dictus Butze is registered in Freiburg, Germany.[3]

Notable people with the surname Butt

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "Butt surname meaning". SurnameDB, The Internet Surname Database. Name Origin Research. Retrieved 2009-02-12.
  2. ^ White, William (1878). Notes and queries, Volume 58. Oxford University Press
  3. ^ Friederichs, Heinz Friedrich (1978). Walther von der Vogelweide. Degener, ISBN 978-3-7686-6014-3 p. 71.
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