Abbott (surname)

Meaning/Origin
Although it's origins are uncertain, the "Abbott" surname is commonly believed to have been derived from the Syriac term "abba," or Aramaic "aba," both meaning "father."

In the Roman Catholic Church, an "abbot" is the ruler of an abbey or monastery and is also used to denote someone employed in an abbot's household - those who would likely have carried on the name, since the abbots themselves were celibate, like priests.

Spellings

 * Abbot - the most common variant
 * Abbotts
 * Abbit
 * Ebbit

Cultural context
The surname "Abbott" has become perhaps best known around the world through the acting talents of William Alexander "Bud" Abbott (1897-1974), half of the comic duo "Abbott and Costello." Abbott performed in burleque comedy shows in the 1920s, and, with Lou Costello, made radio shows and then movies in the 1930s and 1940s.

Abbott also is well-known today as the name of pharmaceutical company Abbott Laboratories, an Illinois-based company employing over 56,000 in 130 countries. It was founded in 1888 by Dr. Wallace C. Abbott, who began creating some of the first modern pills from his Chicago apartment.

Abbott-Detroit was a luxury automobile company from 1909 - 1918. The company made five models, including a limosine in 1913. In 1916, the company moved from Detroit, Michigan to Cleveland, Ohio, after which the company's cars were known under the name "Abbott." It declared bankruptcy in 1918.

The Abbot Downing Company, founded by J. Stephen Abbot and Lewis Downing, made stagecoaches in Concord, New Hampshire from 1827 to 1847. Best known for its Concord Stagecoach, it produced over 40 varieties of coaches. Mark Twain was said to have once remarked that the Concord Coach was like "a cradle on wheels." The company was disbanded in 1865, but carried on under Abbot and his son. It was reincorporated as the Abbot-Downing Company in 1873, and continued making coaches until 1899.

List/s of individuals

 * Abbott
 * Abbott Unlinked Individuals

Links

 * See Wikipedia on Abbott.
 * See Wikipedia on List of people by name: Abbo