Prescott is an English habitational surname derived from any of several places in England. The name combines the Old English elements preost ("priest") and cot ("cottage"), meaning "priest's cottage." As a toponymic surname, it originally identified someone who lived near or owned a priest's dwelling or a smallholding belonging to a priest. History and Distribution Places called Prescott in England include locations in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Lancashire, and Devon. The surname first appears in medieval records, and over time it spread to other English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, Canada, and Australia. Prescott is also used as a masculine given name, albeit less commonly. Notable Bearers Samuel Prescott (1751–1777?) was an American patriot known for his part in the American Revolution; he joined Paul Revere's ride. William Hickling Prescott (1796–1859) was an American historian and author of History of the Conquest of Mexico. Milton R. Prescott, also known as Hazel Prescott (1923–1998), was an American cryptanalyst and pioneer in computer science. In popular culture, the franchise Resident Evil features Albert Wesker, who originally used the alias "Prescott" in early drafts. The city of Prescott, Arizona, was named after historian William Hickling Prescott. Related Names Variant forms include Prescot and the diminutive Pres. Surnames with similar etymological elements include Preston (from priest's town). Meaning: "Priest's cottage" Origin: Old English Type: Surname Usage Regions: England, United States, Canada, Australia