What is the origin of the last name Pierce?
Countries of origin for the last name Pierce
The last name Pierce is an English surname with deep historical roots. It is derived from the medieval given name Piers, a form of Peter. The name Peter is of Greek origin and means “rock” or “stone.” The surname Pierce is a patronymic name, meaning it is derived from the given name of a male ancestor.
The surname Pierce is relatively common in the United States, ranking in the top 500 surnames. It has spread throughout the country and can be found in various states, with higher concentrations in New York, Texas, and California. The distribution of the name suggests a gradual migration of individuals with the surname Pierce across different regions of the United States.
Historically, the surname Pierce has variations such as Pearce, Pears, and Peirce. Variations in spelling often occurred due to the lack of standardized spelling in ancient times. The spelling of surnames was left to the discretion of clerks or individuals themselves, leading to different spellings within the same family or even for the same individual over time.
The meaning of the surname Pierce is associated with the biblical figure St. Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. St. Peter is prominently featured in the New Testament and is known for his role as the “rock” on which the Christian church was built. This connection to St. Peter and the meaning of the name Peter as “rock” likely contributed to the adoption of the surname Pierce.
Genealogical research reveals individuals with the surname Pierce occupying various occupations throughout history. These occupations include farmers, merchants, tradespeople, and professionals such as lawyers and doctors. The diversity of occupations associated with the surname Pierce suggests a wide range of family backgrounds and social statuses.
The surname Pierce has a rich linguistic history. It has undergone phonetic changes and adaptations over time, influenced by different dialects, accents, and regional variations. Such linguistic changes contribute to the complexity and evolution of the surname Pierce.
Further research and exploration into the surname Pierce may uncover additional historical details and connections. Genealogical investigations, historical records, and DNA analysis can provide more insight into the specific origins and migrations of individuals with the last name Pierce.
In conclusion, the last name Pierce is an English surname derived from the given name Piers, which is a variation of Peter. It has spread throughout the United States, with higher concentrations in certain states. The surname Pierce is associated with the biblical figure St. Peter and has undergone spelling variations over time. Genealogical research reveals individuals with the surname Pierce occupying diverse occupations. Linguistic changes have contributed to the development of the surname Pierce. Despite our current understanding of the name, there are still possibilities for discovery and uncovering additional historical details.
Interesting facts about the last name Pierce
- The surname Pierce is of English origin.
- It is derived from the medieval personal name “Piers” or “Peter” which was introduced into England by the Normans after the Conquest of 1066.
- The name Pierce is a patronymic – it means “son of Piers” or “son of Peter”.
- The surname Pierce is fairly common in English-speaking countries like England, Scotland, Ireland, the United States, Canada, and Australia.
- A famous bearer of the surname Pierce was Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, serving from 1853 to 1857.
- Another notable bearer of the surname Pierce was actor and playwright David Hyde Pierce, known for his role as Niles Crane in the TV show “Frasier”.
- The surname Pierce is also found in other cultures with different origins, such as in Wales where it is a variant of the Welsh surname “Ap Hery” or “Ap Harry”, meaning “son of Henry”.
- In Ireland, the surname Pierce is often an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname “Mac Piarais” or “Mac Phiarais”, meaning “son of Piaras” or “son of Pearse”.
- There are variations of the surname Pierce, including Pearce, Piers, Pearson, and Piercy.
- The meaning of the surname Pierce can vary depending on the origin and historical context, but it often signifies a connection to the name Peter and carries associations with strength, rock, or stone.
Name Rank
#202
There are around 138629 people with the last name Pierce in the US