This very interesting name is topographical and possibly locational and translates as "The dweller at the cottage by or on the small piece of enclose land". The origination is Olde English pre 7th Century, the original spelling being "Penn-Cott". It is possible that a place called "Pen(n)cott" did exist, but if so, this is not proven. The name development and recordings includes the following:- John Parnecette who married Margaret Kinge at St. Botolphs, Bishopgate in 1620, whilst in 1648 Elizabeth Parnekutt was christened at St. Martins in the Field, Westminster and Robert Parncutt married Elizabeth Hove at St. James, Queen Place, London in 1685. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Richard Parnicote, which was dated 1604, christened at St. Katherines by the Tower, London, during the reign of King James I of England and VI of Scotland, 1603 - 1625. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.