Last Name Park

Learn more about the origin of the last name Park

The meaning and origin of the last name Park

The surname Park is of English and Scottish origins. Its meaning is derived from the Old English word "parruc," which refers to an enclosed area, such as a park, or an enclosed area used for breeding animals for hunting purposes. Alternatively, it could be from the Old English word "pearroc," meaning a pear tree. The name would have been given to someone who lived near a park or an enclosed area, or it could have been an occupational name for someone who worked in a park or dealt with the breeding of animals for hunting. The surname Park was also used as a habitational name for individuals who resided near a park. Over time, the surname spread throughout England and Scotland, and later, variations such as Parks, Parkin, and Parkinson emerged. Today, the surname Park can be found in various English-speaking countries around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Park

The last name Park is predominantly found in Korea, reflecting its Korean origin and significance. In South Korea, Park is one of the most common surnames and accounts for approximately 8.4% of the entire population, making it the third most prevalent surname after Kim and Lee. The distribution of the Park surname is particularly concentrated in the Gyeonggi Province, which surrounds the capital city of Seoul. Other regions where the name is prevalent include the North and South Jeolla Provinces, as well as the Chungcheong and Gangwon provinces. Additionally, due to historical migrations and diaspora, the Park surname can also be found in significant numbers among the Korean communities in the United States, Canada, and other countries with sizable Korean populations. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Park is predominantly centered in Korea, with scattered populations in other parts of the world where Korean diaspora exists.

Variants and spellings of the last name Park

The last name Park can have several variations and spellings based on regional, cultural, and historical factors. Some common variations include Parks, Parkes, Parke, and Parkins. These variations may have originated from different regions or been influenced by different languages. For instance, the variation "Parks" might be more common in certain English-speaking countries, while "Parkes" could be associated with Welsh or Scottish ancestry. The spelling "Parke" could have been influenced by French or Irish roots. Additionally, a variation like "Parkins" might have developed through the addition of a suffix or due to regional dialects. It is also worth noting that these variations may have arisen over time as families migrated and changed their name to adapt to new cultures or pronunciations.

Famous people with the last name Park

Park Geun-hye was the 11th President of South Korea, serving from 2013 to 2017. She made history as the first female President in South Korea and daughter of the country's former dictator Park Chung-hee. Despite her initial popularity, her presidency was marred by a corruption scandal that led to her impeachment and subsequent imprisonment. Park Ji-sung, on the other hand, is a South Korean footballer who gained worldwide recognition for his remarkable skills. He captained the South Korean national team in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a first for an Asian player. Known for his versatility and tactical intelligence, Park Ji-sung played for renowned clubs like Manchester United and PSV Eindhoven. With his contributions to South Korean football, he has become an inspiration for aspiring players in his home country.

Genealogical research on the last name Park

The surname Park has its origins in England, Scotland, and Ireland. In England, the name most likely derived from a topographical reference to someone living near a park or enclosure. It could also be a habitational name for someone from any of the various places named Park or Parks found throughout the country. In Scotland, the name is derived from the Gaelic word "parc," meaning enclosed land or park. The Irish variant of Park is thought to have originated from the Gaelic surname Ó Pairc, meaning son of Parc, which was later anglicized to Park. Over time, individuals bearing the name Park migrated to various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where their descendants settled. Genealogical research on the surname Park may involve exploring records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, census records, immigration records, and other historical documents to trace the lineage of Park families.