Surname Prendergast - Meaning and Origin
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Prendergast: What does the surname Prendergast mean?
The last name Prendergast has Irish origins from the word "de Priondragás," which was anglicized to Prendergast. Translated, it means "governor's son" or "chief's son." It is a geographical surname derived from a location in Wales called Pren-dref-gast or "thicket-town-guest." Norman knights, who landed in Wales, likely brought the name to Ireland. Maurice de Prendergast, who was a Welsh-Norman knight noted for participating in the Norman invasion of Ireland in the 12th century, is a significant historical figure associated with this surname. The various branches of the Prendergast family became established in counties Mayo and Tipperary. Today, the surname is fairly common in Ireland.
Order DNA origin analysisPrendergast: Where does the name Prendergast come from?
The last name Prendergast is commonly found in Ireland and the United Kingdom, especially in the English counties of Worcestershire, Leeds, Herefordshire and Staffordshire. It has also been recorded in some parts of the United States, including White County, Tennessee.
Prendergast is an old Irish surname, derived from the pre-11th century Olde English personal name Prente, which means ‘first’. The Gaelic form of the name is Priontar-gast. In the mid to late 16th century, many English and Welsh settlers arrived in Ireland, introducing Prendergast to the island and establishing its presence.
In more recent times, Prendergast has become much more dispersed. The surname is now found throughout English-speaking countries, especially in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, as a result of the waves of Irish Immigrants – particularly in the 19th and early 20th century.
The name is also growing in popularity in other parts of the world, such as in Europe, Asia, and Latin America as a result of global migration, internet presence and population growth. In many modern countries, Prendergast is now seen as an interesting and exotic Anglo-Irish name.
Variations of the surname Prendergast
The surname Prendergast has been associated with a variety of surnames over the centuries, from its original form to modern spellings. The surname is derived from the Irish Gaelic Prionnsias meaning “first choice” and has been connected to various spellings such as Prendagast, Prendergraast, Prandgest, Prunst, Pragast, Prigast and Pronjist. Surnames with similar roots include Prinderdel, Prandle, Prinsdel, Pretoret, Prandt, Prontshelt and Pranslet.
The spelling Prendergast was first used in the 10th century in Wales, where the pronunciation was slightly different to modern pronunciations. In Scotland, the spelling switched to Pringst, while in England variants included Preist, Prondgraft and Pronggrayst. The name was found in many different regions and countries as it was used by people travelling and settling in new places. For example, in Ireland the surname was spelled Prendesgraast or Pringdrast.
Variants of the Prendergast surname are still found around the world today, with modern variants including Pendregast, Prendishaw, Prandgrest, Pretogost and Prestigast. It has also formed various derivatives such as Prendergrass, Prenticgast, Prendragust, Prindergust, Pranderella, Prandell and Pretorello.
In summary, the Prendergast surname has a history of variants, spellings and derivatives. Starting in Wales, it spread and changed over centuries to the form we recognise today. The name is still found in various forms and spellings all over the world.
Famous people with the name Prendergast
- Thomas Prendergast: Former Chairman and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority
- John Prendergast: Humanitarian activist and founder of the Enough Project
- Charles J. Prendergast: A Canadian businessman and former politician
- Jason Prendergast: Actor who has starred in productions including The Departed, The Bourne Ultimatum, Shutter Island and Salt
- Vincent Prendergast: Irish hurler
- Roy Prendergast: Attorney and former President of the Common Cause political advocacy organization
- Thomas Prendergast Jr: Former head of the Boston and Maine Railroad
- Robert Prendergast: Multi-instrumental musician, singer and songwriter
- Mara Prendergast: Canadian artist and mixed media sculptor
- Robert Prendergast: Amateur astronomer and telescope maker