Pretorius is a common Afrikaans surname.

Pretorius
Origin
Word/nameLatin
MeaningLeader

Recorded in several forms (including Praetor, Praetorius, Pratorius, Pretorius, (German), and in English Preater, Preter and Pretor)[citation needed], Pretorius is a surname of Germanic origins, although the ultimate origin is the Roman (Latin) word "praetor". This literally meant "leader", but was used in Imperial Rome to describe officials who led processions, as well as the Praetorian Guard, who provided the security for the Senate and the Imperial Roman family. Although apparently first recorded in England several centuries before Germany, which is probably because of lost medieval records, it is rare in England, although now found in some numbers in Austria, Switzerland and South Africa.[1]

People with the surname Pretorius

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Fictional Characters

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Last name: Pretorius". Surname Database.