What is the origin of the last name Pearson?

The last name Pearson derives from the patronymic form of the given name Peter, ultimately derived from the Ancient Greek name Petros, meaning "rock" or "stone." As a patronymic, Pearson indicated "son of Peter." This surname was prevalent in England and Scotland during the medieval period and became established as a hereditary family name.

Countries of origin for the last name Pearson

Pearson is a last name that is rooted in English and Scottish history. The surname is derived from the given name “Piers,” which in turn originated from the medieval form of the name “Peter.” The name “Peter” is derived from the Greek word “petros,” meaning “stone” or “rock.” This surname is primarily found in English-speaking countries, especially in the United States.

The Pearson surname can be traced back to medieval England, where it was commonly used as a patronymic name. In this context, it denoted “son of Piers” or “son of Peter.” It was a way of identifying an individual based on their father’s name. As a result, variants of this surname, such as “Pierson” and “Pearston,” also became prevalent.

The surname Pearson has undergone various spelling modifications over time. These alterations have primarily occurred due to regional dialects, variations in pronunciation, and the phonetic nature of language. Consequently, it is not uncommon to find alternative spellings of the surname, such as “Piercyson” or “Peirson,” in historical records.

Migration played a significant role in the spread of the Pearson surname. Many individuals bearing this last name migrated from England and Scotland to other parts of the world, particularly to North America. As a result, the surname has become more prevalent in the United States, with concentrations in states such as Texas, California, and New York.

The Pearson surname is not associated with any specific coat of arms. However, the use of coats of arms in England was prevalent among nobility and landed gentry, rather than the general population. Therefore, it is unlikely that individuals with the surname Pearson would have had a specific coat of arms associated with their family name.

Like many other surnames, Pearson has its own variations and derivatives. Some of these variations include “Peirson,” “Peerson,” and “Pearce.” These variations further emphasize the evolution and complexity of surnames over time.

While the historical record sheds light on the origins and development of the Pearson surname, it is important to acknowledge that there may still be undiscovered facts and nuances associated with this last name. Genealogy and historical research continuously uncover new information, offering the possibility of uncovering further layers of meaning and context surrounding the surname.

Interesting facts about the last name Pearson

  • The surname Pearson is of English origin.
  • It is derived from the medieval given name Piers, which was a diminutive of Peter.
  • The name Pearson was commonly given to those who were the son of someone named Peter.
  • The first records of the surname Pearson date back to the 13th century in Yorkshire, England.
  • The name Pearson has various spellings including Pierson, Peirson, and Pearsone.
  • Notable individuals with the surname Pearson include Lester B. Pearson, former Prime Minister of Canada, and Drew Pearson, an American journalist.
  • In the United States, the surname Pearson is most commonly found in states such as Texas, California, and Florida.
  • The name Pearson is ranked as the 1,444th most common surname in the United States.
  • The coat of arms associated with the surname Pearson features a red shield with a central gold chevron and two silver bars.
  • The motto associated with the Pearson coat of arms is “Piercie ad finem,” which translates to “Steadfast to the end.”

Name Rank

#308

There are around 101836 people with the last name Pearson in the US

Related Names

Related Regions