Welcome to the Pruitt Family Genealogy website hosted by Wetpaint!

Why the Wetpaint name? It comes from that urge all of us have to touch things when we see a "Wet Paint" sign. It's about being curious, getting involved, and messing around (even if just a little bit) with what's in front of us. Wetpaint sites are never really done — you can always edit and add to them — that's what makes it great. The more coats you add, the richer the story. I am excited about this opportunity to share with other Pruitt family members, related or not, on Wetpaint.

This website is compendium of my Pruitt family genealogy information to record significant events and intersections of my ancestors from the recent past and throughout history. This web site is dedicated to my grandmother, Winona Anthony Wilber, for introducing me to our family history and to Corporal John Henry Pruitt II, USMC. Corporal Pruitt was awarded the Medal of Honor TWICE in World War I for the same action by the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. That feat inspired me to learn more about the Pruitt family heritage.

I also maintain an updated Ahnentafel display of my Personal Ancestral File (PAF) that is hosted by AspHost4free. Interested parties can email me to receive the GEDCOM file.

The Origins of the PRUITT Family Name


The origins of the family name are thought to be Welsh. The rugged hills and moors of Wales was the birthplace of the name PRUITT. Originally, this surname began its life as a nickname for a brave or proud person. The surname PRUITT is derived from the Old English words prew and prue, which come from the Old French words prou and preu, which mean valiant or doughty. The name also features either of two common diminutive suffixes: -et or -ot.

Spelling variations of this family name include: PRUITT, PRUETT, PREWITT, PRUET, PREWERT, and others.

First found in Carmarthenshire where they were seated from very ancient times, well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Thomas PREWITT, who settled in Virginia in 1636; Ann PREWETT settled in Jamaica in 1663 with her husband; William PRUETT settled in Rappahannock, Virginia in 1729.

Pruitt Family Motto: “Deus pascit corvos.” Translated: "God feeds the ravens."

Source: House of Names