Surname Perrish - Meaning and Origin

Perrish: What does the surname Perrish mean?

The surname Perrish is of English origin, likely a locational surname referring to people who originally lived or came from a certain place. Some scholars suggest it may be derived from the Old English 'perisc,' meaning 'parish,' denoting that the family was residing in or associated with a parish. Thus, the name would refer to 'one who lived near or worked at a Parish (Church)'. However, specific meaning can vary based on family history and geographical origins. Locational surnames were usually given to the lord of the manor or the proprietor of the lands, and they gradually became hereditary. Families with the surname Perrish might have been linked with the church or religious duties during the Middle Ages. The last name Perrish, with various spellings, is widespread in both England and France. It's important to note that the definition of the Perrish surname can alter depending on its historical and cultural context.

Perrish: Where does the name Perrish come from?

The last name Perrish is most commonly found in the United States. According to a 2020 US Census Bureau survey, it ranks in the top 18,000 surnames in the United States. The top five states in terms of population with the last name Perrish are California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois.

Perrish is of British, French, and Germanic roots, particularly popular in England, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The spelling variants are Perish, Perritt, Perrat, Parrish, Parish, and so on.

The name Perrish became popularized in America during the 19th century when waves of immigrants arrived from Europe. Today, there are over 10,000 people in the United States with the last name Perrish, with a majority residing in the South. It can also be found in smaller numbers in other parts of the world such as Australia, Canada, and South Africa.

Interestingly enough, the last name Perrish was the surname of the fictional character Remus Lupin from the Harry Potter series. Not surprisingly, many Harry Potter fans across the world have chosen the last name Perrish for their online handles.

Variations of the surname Perrish

The surname Perrish is an anglicized version of the Irish surname Ó' Peirsigh, which is derived from the Irish word 'pearsach' meaning 'pikeman'. Other variants of the surname Perrish include Pearish, Pierish and Pirrie. The spelling of the surname can also be changed to give variants such as Pears, Perish, Piris, Parrish, Parry, Peries and Pearse.

In Scotland, the surname is sometimes spelled Pirie, while in Canada the surname is sometimes spelled Perry as well.

There are many surnames derived from the same origin as Perrish. These include O'Peers, O’Parish, O'Pears, O’Parrish, O'Parrie, Pirrie, Pearis, Pierre, Petty, Peacock, Picard, Pearison, Perlman, Pace, Parsley, Peroff, Porch and Poretzky.

The most famous person to bear the Perrish surname is English medieval historian William of Perrish who was born in Norfolk, England in 1250. He is known for his work 'De Fato et Consuetudine Angliae' which outlines the customs and laws of England in the thirteenth century.

Famous people with the name Perrish

• Dion Perrish: Former NFL cornerback who played for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003-2009.
• Bill Perrish: Former Major League Baseball relief pitcher who played for the Seattle Mariners from 1981-1984.
• Maurice Perrish: Former American football wide receiver who played for the Detroit Lions in 1998.
• Elizabeth Perrish: British film and television actress who has appeared in films such as "Edge of Tomorrow" and "The Theory of Everything".
• Alan Perrish: British actor and comedian who has appeared in numerous British-made television programmes and films.
• Scott Perrish: American record producer and DJ, whose credits include producing and remixing for numerous artists and radio programs.
• Paul Perrish: Canadian sculptor best known for his sculptures of Native American figures and wildlife.
• Anna Perrish: American stage and film actress who has appeared in films such as "Pretty Woman" and "The Notebook".
• Eric Perrish: American actor, writer, and producer who has appeared in films such as "One Life to Live" and "The Remaining".
• Steve Perrish: Professional golfer who has won numerous tournaments and is currently ranked number one in the world.

Other surnames

PerrierPerriman