Last Name Paris

The surname Paris (or variations like Parrish) is of Old French origin and is a locational name derived from any of several places called Paris in France. There were many villages with this name, some of which were situated in different regions such as Normandy, Picardy, and Ile-de-France. The name is thought to derive either from the Gaulish word "parisio," meaning "walled town," or from the Roman personal name "Paris." It is possible that the surname could also have been given to someone who was born in one of these places, or to someone who lived near such a settlement. The surname became popular in England after the Norman Conquest in 1066, and it has since been found in many different countries throughout the world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Paris

The meaning and origin of the last name Paris

The surname Paris is of Old French origin and means 'from Paris', the capital city of France. It is derived from the Latin name "Parisius", which itself is believed to have been named after the Celtic tribe known as the Parisii, who inhabited the region where Paris now stands. The Parisii were one of the four major tribes that formed the Belgae, a group of Gallo-Roman peoples living in the region during the Iron Age. The surname Paris was first used in medieval times as a way to identify individuals from specific geographical locations. Over time, it has become a common surname not only in France but also among French-speaking diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Paris

The surname Paris is predominantly associated with France, where it originated as a locative name for someone who lived in or came from the city of Paris. It is one of the most common French surnames and can be found throughout the country. Beyond France, the distribution of the surname Paris is somewhat dispersed across various regions globally due to emigration and migration events over centuries. Notably, significant numbers of people with this name reside in countries like Canada, the United States, Belgium, and some English-speaking countries, where it has been carried by French or French-Canadian immigrants. Additionally, smaller groups can be found in various other nations due to historical connections and colonization. The geographical dispersion of the Paris surname reflects the global movements and influences of the French people throughout history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Paris

The surname Paris can be found with several variations and spellings due to differences in translation and transcription over time. Some of these variants include Parris, Parrish, Parriss, Parry, Parrice, and Parryce. In French, the original spelling is "Paris," but it has been anglicized or altered as it has been adopted by speakers of other languages. The Scottish variant "MacParis" is a sept of Clan MacLeod and represents a connection to Paris through a specific lineage within the clan system. Additionally, there may be regional dialectal variations such as "Paree," which is often used in informal contexts to refer to the city of Paris, France. Furthermore, compound surnames like O'Paris (Irish), McParrie (Scottish), or de París (Spanish) can also be found, indicating a connection to the Paris lineage through different cultural or historical contexts.

Famous people with the last name Paris

Notable individuals bearing the surname Paris include:

1. Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841–1919), a French artist who was a leading painter in the development of the Impressionist style. His most celebrated works include "Luncheon of the Boating Party" and "The Swing."
2. Marcel Proust (1871–1922), a French novelist, critic, and essayist best known for his monumental novel À la Recherche du Temps Perdu ("Remembrance of Things Past"). The work is considered one of the most important novels of the 20th century.
3. Alyson Stoner (born 1993), an American actress, singer, and dancer who gained recognition for her roles in movies such as "Cheaper by the Dozen" and "Step Up." She has also worked extensively as a voice actor, lending her voice to characters in animated series like "Phineas and Ferb."
4. Richard Paris (1937–2015), an American writer and journalist who was a foreign correspondent for several major news outlets. He won the Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting in 1976 for his work covering Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, ranging from visual arts and literature to entertainment and journalism.

Genealogical research on the last name Paris

The surname Paris is of Old French origin, derived from the word "parisis" meaning "settlement" or "fortified town". Historically, it was a place name that eventually became a personal name and then a hereditary surname in France. Some of the earliest records showing the use of the surname Paris include Jean de Paris, who lived in Paris during the 13th century, and Guillaume le Paris, who resided in Normandy around the same time. The surname spread throughout France and beyond its borders as French colonies expanded. Notable individuals with the name Paris include Charles de Paris, a French nobleman who was a significant figure during the Hundred Years' War, and Pierre-Simon Ballot de la Tour-du-Pin, Marquis de La Tour du Pin-Montauban et de Paris, a French statesman and military leader. The surname can also be found in various forms across Europe and North America today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Paris"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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