Bassett

Bassett is a surname of English origin, a variant of Basset. The name is thought to derive from Old French bas, meaning low, and it was historically used as a descriptive toponym or nickname for people living in a low-lying area or of short stature. The spelling Bassett appears in English-language records and has spread with migration.

Notable people with the surname include Angela Bassett, an American actress and filmmaker known for work across film and television. The name is borne by other individuals in various fields, but Angela Bassett is among the most widely recognized.

Bassett also appears as a place name in the United States, with Bassett, Virginia being the best known example. The name is used for several small communities in different states, reflecting the common practice of adopting surnames as locality names.

In commerce, Bassett Furniture Industries is a prominent American furniture manufacturer founded in 1902 and based in Bassett, Virginia. The company is known for a wide range of home furniture and for its role in the region’s manufacturing history.

See also: Basset, including its disambiguation and related terms such as the Basset Hound, a dog breed rooted in the same linguistic origin.