Surname Perr - Meaning and Origin
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Perr: What does the surname Perr mean?
The last name Perr is of French origin and is derived from the Latin given name Petrus, which means ‘rock’. This Latin given name became Peter in English, sustained by the Bible, which refers to St. Peter the apostle. Beyond the biblical reference, another origin of the surname may refer to southern France, where the name was derived from ‘Le pierre’, meaning ‘the stone’. During the Middle Ages, a stone was used to mark a boundary or a geographical boundary stone emplaced in a yard or a town center.
The Perr surname is believed to have first appeared in France in the late 12th Century in the region of Ile-de-France. This region was home to a powerful dynasty, the House of Capet, as well as the aspirants of the Order of St. Lazarus. It is from this region that the name Perr is believed to have spread throughout Europe, as well as to the United States and Canada.
In the U.S. and Canada, the surname appears to be most prevalent in Quebec, with significant populations in the provinces of Ontario and Alberta. In the United States, the surname is particularly representative in the states of New York, Arizona, Texas and California. It is also popular in the Midwest, particularly in Missouri, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio.
Overall, the surname Perr is considered to be a rather unique last name, with comparatively few individuals bearing it. It is a name steeped in history, with its origin story harkening back to biblical times. As such, it is a testament to the enduring presence of the legacy of the original Latin given name ‘Petrus’.
Order DNA origin analysisPerr: Where does the name Perr come from?
The last name Perr is a surname with German origins. It is found primarily in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other German-speaking areas of Europe such as Hungary. It is also found in countries with large German immigrant populations, such as the United States, Canada, and Brazil.
In Germany, the name Perr is among the 500 most common surnames and is particularly common in the Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland regions. It can also be found in various other parts of Germany, including Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and the former East Germany.
In the United States, the last name Perr is a rarity. It appears primarily in California, New York, and New Jersey, which is likely due to 19th and early-20th century German immigration to these states.
A handful of people with the last name Perr can be found throughout the English-speaking world, including countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, in addition to the previously mentioned nations.
Overall, the last name Perr is especially common in Germany, with a presence in neighbouring countries and countries with large German diasporas. Those with the name in other parts of the world appear to be the descendants of German emigrants.
Variations of the surname Perr
The surname Perr has many variants, spellings and associated surnames having the same origin. They include Pere, Père, Pereh, Perah, Perere, Perea, Pfarr, Peare, Parr, Pharr, Parragh, Parrey, Parray, Parral, Parriel, Pearre, Pears, Perham, Pfuel, Preshl, Prey, Pfur, Pruer, Priday, Pritchard, Prout, Price, Priester, Priestley, Piry, Porte, Peart, Pearse, Perce, Pierce, Pearcy, Pirson, Poirer, Poyer, Power, and Purcell.
The origin of the surname Perr can be traced back to the ancient Middle English period. It was likely taken from a baptismal name which refers to the child of Peter or Perez. The variations of the name are attributed to the different dialects and spellings in use in the Middle Age period. These variants and spellings are also often derived from the family's place of origin.
The surname Perr is commonly associated with French, Dutch, Irish, and German heritage. In some cases the spelling variants may represent a combination of two nations with a common ancestral link such as Germanic and French. The migration of families during the 1700s and 1800s also attributed to the development of the surname and the derivation of different spellings.
The surname Perr is found mainly in England, Scotland, Ireland, the United States, and Canada. It is also widely scattered throughout the rest of the world. In many cases the variations have become so common among immigrants that it is difficult to distinguish a single origin of the name.
Famous people with the name Perr
- Alexandra Perr: American film and television actress
- Beverly Perr: American jewellery designer and model
- Brandon Perr: American film and television actor
- Francis Perr: American actor and producer
- Kari Perr: American television producer and head writer
- Mark Perr: American musician and actor
- Natalie Perr: American actress
- Paul Perr: American Lawyer and Public Relations Executive
- Suzanne Perr: American singer, songwriter, and musician
- Tony Perr: American comedian, writer, and actor