Meaning & History
Herriot is a surname of English origin. It is derived from an Old French diminutive of the given name Herry, which itself is a medieval English form of Henry. The name Henry comes from the Germanic name Heimirich, meaning "home ruler," composed of the elements heim "home" and rih "ruler." The Norman introduction of the French form Henri to England led to various vernacular forms, including Herry and Harry, from which the surname Herriot arose.
Notable Bearers
Several notable individuals have borne the surname Herriot. Édouard Herriot (1872–1957) was a prominent French politician who served as Prime Minister of France multiple times during the Third Republic. James Herriot (1916–1995) was the pen name of James Alfred Wight, a British veterinary surgeon and author, best known for his semi-autobiographical books such as All Creatures Great and Small, which were later adapted into a popular television series. Jim Herriot (1939–2025) was a Scottish footballer who played for clubs including Dunfermline Athletic and the Scotland national team. John George Herriot (1916–2003) was an American mathematician known for his work in numerical analysis.
Fictional Characters
In popular culture, Zoe Herriot is a character in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who.
- Meaning: Diminutive of Herry, a medieval form of Henry
- Origin: English, from Old French
- Type: Surname
- Usage Regions: English-speaking countries
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Herriot