The surname Pearcy is of English origin and is derived from various place names in England that contain the Old English elements "peor" meaning "pear tree" and "-ceaster" denoting a Roman town. Some examples of these places include Peachester and Pearsall in Lancashire, and Pearcey in Oxfordshire. As a surname, it is also thought to have been an occupational name for someone who grew or sold pears, from the Old English "peor."
Learn more about the origin of the last name Pearcy
The meaning and origin of the last name Pearcy
The surname Pearcy is an English variation of the Norman-French name "Percy," which originated from the regions of Perche in Normandy, France. The name Percy, derived from the Old Norse word "bjarkr" meaning birch tree, was brought to England by the Norman conquerors in the 11th century. Over time, the surname evolved into several variations, including Pearce and Pearcy, due to regional dialects and name spellings being less standardized during the Middle Ages. The surname Pearcy is primarily found in England and Ireland, with a significant number of bearers residing in counties such as Yorkshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk in England, and County Down and Dublin in Ireland.
Geographical distribution of the last name Pearcy
The surname Pearcy is predominantly found in English-speaking countries, with the highest concentrations in England and Wales. Historically, it originated from various locations in those regions, including Pearcey in Devon, Pearcey in Oxfordshire, and Pearsall in Derbyshire, suggesting an Anglo-Saxon roots for many bearers of this name. Over time, the name has spread globally due to migration. In North America, significant populations of people with the last name Pearcy can be found in the United States and Canada. Other countries where the surname is present include Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, primarily as a result of the British colonial era and subsequent immigration waves.
Variants and spellings of the last name Pearcy
The surname Pearcy has several variants and spellings due to historical spelling discrepancies, cultural influences, and regional dialects. The most common variations include Percy, Piercy, Parcey, and Pearse. These variants may have originated as a result of slight phonetic changes or minor orthographic modifications over time. Additionally, some family branches might have intentionally changed the spelling to reflect personal preference or migration-related influences. For instance, in Irish Gaelic, the name Pierce can be anglicized as Pearce, which could potentially explain some variations of this surname. Other less common variations might include Pearse, Peersy, and Percye, though these are less frequent occurrences.
Famous people with the last name Pearcy
Notable individuals with the surname Pearcy include:
1. Billy Pearcy (born 1948), an American musician and songwriter who was a member of the band Moby Grape.
2. Chris Pearcy (born 1968), an English actor known for his roles in films like "Rise of the Footsoldier" and "The Sweeney."
3. Cindy Pearce (born 1950), an American actress who appeared in movies such as "The Legend of Boggy Creek" and "The Exorcist III."
4. Diane Pearce, a British former professional tennis player who reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals in 1976.
5. George Pearcy (1823–1890), an English civil engineer and architect who designed several buildings in London, including the Royal Courts of Justice.
6. Joey Pearce (born 1978), a Canadian ice hockey player who played for teams like the Florida Panthers and the Calgary Flames.
7. Trevor Pearcy (born 1984), an English professional footballer who currently plays for Bury Football Club.
These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including music, acting, sports, and architecture.
Genealogical research on the last name Pearcy
The Pearcy surname is of English origin and is derived from the personal name Percey, which is thought to have originated from the Old French 'Perceval' or 'Percival'. The name was popularized by the legendary knight Sir Percival in Arthurian legends. The earliest known records of the surname Pearcy date back to the late 13th century in England, with one John Pery dating back to 1273 in Yorkshire. Over time, variations of the name such as Percey, Piercy, and Parsey have also emerged due to spelling inconsistencies during the Middle Ages. The Pearcy family was prominent in various regions of England, including Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, and Kent. Some notable individuals with the surname include English lawyer Sir John Pearcy (1590-1674) and English cricketer Alan Pearcey (born 1935). The distribution of the name in modern times shows a concentration in England, particularly in the East Midlands and North East regions.
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