An English surname, Hyatt comes from the original Anglo-Saxon people of England. The name means a high gate for protection. The spelling variations for Hyatt include Hytte, Huyet, Hyat, Hyett and Hyet. The earliest Hyatt families lived in the Hertfordshire area. Into the 20th century the Hyatt surname has spread across England and into Wales. Most live in the city of London, Middlesex, Yorkshire, Lancashire and Somerset counties. The Scottish county of Fife has the majority of Hyatt surnames. Across most of the United States the Hyatt surname is found. The greater Hyatt population numbers are in New York, North Carolina and Ohio. Famous: Dave Hyatt (developer of special software programs), Chuck Hyatt (professional basketball player), John Wesley Hyatt (inventor of celluloid), Willard Hyatt (professional basketball player) and Alpheus Hyatt (an expert paleontologist in studying fossils).