Last Name Parrot

The surname "Parrot" has various origins, stemming from different languages and cultures. In English-speaking countries, it is generally an occupational name for someone who was a maker or seller of parrots, or more broadly, any birdkeeper. The name could also be of Norman origin, derived from the Old French word "parrot," meaning "pear tree." Additionally, in some regions, Parrot may be of Jewish origin, derived from the Hebrew "Parad," meaning "garden." In German-speaking areas, it might be a shortened form of the given name "Peter Paradeisos," meaning "Peter of the Paradise" or "Peter in the Garden." However, it is essential to note that these are potential origins and not definitive. For an accurate understanding, genealogical research may be necessary.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Parrot

The meaning and origin of the last name Parrot

The surname Parrot is an occupational name derived from the Old French word "parrote" or "pareau," which means 'parrot' in English. It was first used to identify individuals who were bird trainers or imitators, specializing in parrots, due to their skill in mimicking the calls and songs of these birds. Over time, as people began to choose occupations as a means of identifying themselves, the surname Parrot became a hereditary name for descendants of those early practitioners. The surname is most common in France and English-speaking countries, particularly in England, where it emerged during the Middle Ages. Today, individuals with the surname Parrot can be found around the world, although the majority still reside in Europe.

Geographical distribution of the last name Parrot

The surname Parrot is most prevalent in regions with historical ties to the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Wales. It is also common in Scotland, due to the blending of Norman and Celtic populations during the Middle Ages. Beyond the British Isles, significant populations carrying the name Parrot can be found in the French-speaking provinces of Canada, as well as in France itself. In North America, it is also present in the United States, particularly in states with a high number of immigrants from the UK, such as Massachusetts and Virginia. Additionally, small pockets of the Parrot surname are distributed across other English-speaking countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Parrot

The surname Parrot, while primarily associated with the bird species, has been adopted as a human name in various forms across different cultures and regions. Some common spelling variations include Parrott, Parroth, Parrodt, Parrod, Parrode, Parroot, and Parroo. These variations may result from phonetic changes over time, regional dialects, or personal preferences. In some cases, the name may also appear as a compound word, such as Parker (derived from park + rother), which shares similarities with the Parrot family name due to the bird's association with parks and forests. The origin of the surname is often traced back to England, where it is believed to have derived from the Old French word "parrot" or the Middle English word "pereot," both referring to the colorful, talking bird. In modern times, individuals bearing this name can be found worldwide, reflecting its adaptability and enduring popularity over centuries.

Famous people with the last name Parrot

Notable individuals bearing the surname Parrott include:

1. James T. Parrott (1832-1904), an American politician who served as the 26th Mayor of San Francisco from 1879 to 1881 and again from 1885 to 1887. He was also a member of the California State Senate.

2. William Parrott (1804-1873), an American lawyer, businessman, and politician who served as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly and as the Prohibition Party's candidate for Governor of Wisconsin in 1868.

3. John Parrott (born 1965), an English former professional squash player who won two World Open Squash Championships, three British Open titles, and reached the Wimbledon men's singles semi-finals in 1991.

4. Michael Parrott (born 1982), an American composer and pianist known for his works that blend classical music with elements of jazz, rock, and electronic music. He has collaborated with artists such as Josh Groban, Chris Botti, and Andrea Bocelli.

5. Dusty Parrott (born 1973), an American professional wrestler who competed in Extreme Championship Wrestling and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling under the ring name "Raven" from 1996 to 2004. He is a five-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion.

These individuals, hailing from various fields, have made significant contributions in their respective domains.

Genealogical research on the last name Parrot

The surname Parrot is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "parrot" meaning "parrot," likely given to someone who was talkative or imitated others much like the bird. The earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to the 13th century in France. Among the notable bearers of the surname are:

1. Sir John Parrot (died 1562), an English knight and Member of Parliament for Bedfordshire.
2. Edward Parrott (1816-1897), a Canadian lawyer, judge, and political figure who served as Premier of the Province of Canada from 1866 to 1867.
3. Mary A. Parrot (1846-1919), an American botanist and horticulturist who made significant contributions to the understanding of flora in Oregon and California.
4. George Parrot (1882-1957), a Canadian physicist known for his work on acoustics, radar technology, and underwater sound detection during World War II.

The name Parrot, with variations such as Parrott, Parratt, and others, remains prevalent in France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Parrot"
• 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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