Surname Pharr - Meaning and Origin

Pharr: What does the surname Pharr mean?

The surname Pharr is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the old Gaelic term "Mac a' Phearsoin", which means "son of the parson". The "parson" was a church minister, so the surname suggests that an ancestor held this occupation. The name evolved over time, acquiring various spellings before settling to its modern spelling forms which also include Pearson, Pierson, and Peterson among others. People bearing this surname can be found in various parts of the world due to migration and the influence of the British Empire, although it is particularly common in Scotland and other English-speaking countries. Like many surnames, the specifics of its origin or exact meaning cannot be irrefutably confirmed.

Pharr: Where does the name Pharr come from?

The surname Pharr is of English origin and was used by people who lived around an enclosure or fence made out of ancient wooden staves, also called a 'pharr'. This suggests that the earliest individuals with the surname could have either inhabited near such a landmark or perhaps were responsible for making or maintaining these enclosures. The Pharr surname is quite unique and is not overly common today in many regions. However, it can mostly be found in the United States, especially in Texas where there is even a city named Pharr. Other areas where the name appears more frequently can include other Southern and Eastern states in the U.S.

Variations of the surname Pharr

The surname Pharr is believed to be of ancient Irish origin, deriving from the Gaelic "Ó Fearchair" meaning "descendant of the beloved man". The surname has gone through many changes over centuries and has resulted in a variety of spellings and variants.

Some variants and spellings of the same origin include: Farr, Far, Pharrs, Phare, Phaire, Pharis, Pher, Pfaar, and Pfaarr.

The surname also branched off into several spellings due to regional dialects and phonetic spelling during the process of translating the name from Gaelic to English. The surname may also have absorbed by the English surname Farrer, which is of occupational origin.

The variant spelling Phar is very common as it's the simplified version of the surname. It is also used interchangeably due to pronunciation.

Surnames with a similar meaning but of different origin also exist such as Darling, Dearly, and Love, all denoting to ‘beloved’.

Americanizing of the last name over the years has also led to surnames like Pher, Pharro, and Farrow.

However, all versions are not as commonly used or as recognized as the original spelling "Pharr". These surnames are not necessarily related, but they share a common etymological origin.

Famous people with the name Pharr

• Ralph Pharr: A famous engineer and amateur astronomer from Georgia who designed bridges, tunnels, and highways across southeastern United States.
• Austin Pharr: A professional baseball player who played in the minor league systems.
• Thomas Pharr: An American former professional wrestler known by his ring name Tom Prichard.
• Sarah Pharr: Renowned author known for 'Kingdom Journeys: Rediscovering the Lost Spiritual Discipline'.
• Davis Pharr: A successful American entrepreneur and philanthropist.
• Bob Pharr: A former professional football player who played in the NFL during the 1940s.
• Calvin Pharr: Well-known for his influential work in the academic field of biology.
• Susan Pharr: A political scientist specializing in Japanese politics.
• Clayton Pharr: A recognized artist and craftsman, known for his innovative design and craftsmanship skills. This list is not a complete representation of all the notable individuals with the last name Pharr. The diverse fields represented, from sports to academia, reflect the vast accomplishments of people named Pharr.

Other surnames

PharamPharesPhargisonPhariaPhariasPharisPharissPharoahPharrePharrisPharrissPharus