Arnott Surname: Origin, Meaning & Family History

What Does the Arnott Surname Mean?

Eagle power; from the Old Norse personal name Arnothr, composed of arn meaning eagle and thr meaning Thor or power

Historical Roots of the Arnott Surname

The Arnott surname is woven into the fabric of Scottish history. Scotland's clan system created powerful family networks that influenced every aspect of life, from local governance to national politics, and the Arnott name carries that legacy forward.

Historical records trace the Arnott surname to 13th century in Kinross-shire, Scotland, with the name associated with Kinross-shire and Fife, Scotland. Parish records, tax rolls, and manorial documents from this period provide evidence of the family's presence and standing in their local communities. The geographic distribution of a surname often reveals important clues about a family's origins and the movements of their ancestors over the centuries.

The Arnott name carries notable connections to the British peerage, including Scottish family from Kinross-shire; the Arnott family held small estates and produced notable medical professionals in the 19th century. These connections place the family within the broader network of titled families that have shaped British history. The peerage system recognises five ranks of nobility—Duke, Marquess, Earl, Viscount, and Baron—and families connected to this system held positions of influence in Parliament, the military, and the administration of the realm.

The Arnott name has been carried by notable figures across a range of fields. These individuals represent just a fraction of the Arnott legacy that continues to unfold.

Coat of Arms

Coats of arms were granted to specific individuals and their descendants, not to everyone sharing a surname. If you believe you may be entitled to bear the Arnott arms, the College of Arms can help verify your lineage. Learn more in our guide: How Do I Find My Family Crest?

Noble Connections

This surname has significant connections to noble families and titled individuals.

• Scottish family from Kinross-shire; the Arnott family held small estates and produced notable medical professionals in the 19th century

Historical peerage documents reference the Arnott family, demonstrating their place within the broader framework of British nobility and social hierarchy. To understand where these titles sit in the hierarchy, see our interactive peerage hierarchy chart.

Famous People Named Arnott

Related Surnames

These surnames share a similar Scottish/Norse origin and may have historical connections to the Arnott family.

Explore Scotland Lordship Cities

Discover the lordship history of cities connected to the Arnott family's Scottish/Norse heritage.