Last Name Pearson

The last name "Pearson" is of English origin. It is derived from the patronymic form of the given name "Piers," which itself is a variant of "Peter." "Pearson" essentially means "son of Piers" or "son of Peter." The name "Peter" comes from the Greek name "Petros," meaning "rock" or "stone." Over time, the name evolved and eventually became a popular surname among English-speaking communities.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pearson

The meaning and origin of the last name Pearson

The surname Pearson is of English origin and carries the meaning of "son of Pearce." Pearce or Piers is itself a medieval English given name that derived from the Old French name Piers, which was a variation of Peter. The name Peter comes from the Greek name Petros, meaning "rock." The surname Pearson therefore signifies "son of Peter" or "son of a rock." It is a patronymic surname that was commonly adopted during the Middle Ages to denote the offspring of a specific father. Over time, the name Pearson may have undergone various spelling variations, including Piers, Pearce, and Pierson, among others. The surname can be found mainly in England, as well as other English-speaking countries where early British immigrants settled. Today, individuals with the surname Pearson can be found across the globe, still carrying the proud heritage of their ancestry.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pearson

The surname Pearson is mainly found in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. In the United Kingdom, it is most common in the northern regions, such as Yorkshire and Lancashire, which could be attributed to historical factors such as migration patterns and population movements. In the United States, Pearson is widely distributed throughout the country, with concentrations in states like Texas, California, Illinois, and North Carolina. This distribution could be linked to factors such as colonial settlements, immigration, and family movements over time. The name is also present in other English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where it is relatively common. Additionally, due to globalization and increased mobility, the surname Pearson can also be found in various parts of the world, including Europe, South Africa, and the Caribbean, although it may be less prevalent in these regions compared to English-speaking countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pearson

The last name Pearson may have various spellings and variations. Some common variations include Pearsen, Persson, Parson, Pearsson, Pierson, and Pearsall. These variations can be attributed to factors such as regional accents, immigration, and phonetic changes over time. For instance, the spelling Pearsen may have originated from the pronunciation of the name with a stronger emphasis on the "s" sound. Similarly, Persson could be a spelling variation influenced by a Scandinavian background. Parson might have been an alternative spelling resulting from a clerical or religious profession. Pearsson could have arisen from a regional preference for an additional "s" in the name. Pierson might reflect the influence of Dutch or German origins. Lastly, Pearsall could be a variation influenced by the medieval English word "sallow," meaning a willow tree, suggesting a connection with a specific geographical location.

Famous people with the last name Pearson

One famous person with the last name Pearson is Lester Bowles Pearson. Born in 1897, he was a Canadian politician and diplomat who served as the 14th Prime Minister of Canada from 1963 to 1968. Pearson was a respected statesman and is often considered one of the country's best prime ministers. He is particularly renowned for his role in defusing the Suez Crisis in 1956 and for establishing Canada's current flag. Another notable figure is Karl Pearson, an English mathematician and statistician born in 1857. He is known as a pioneer in the field of biometrics and contributed significantly to the development of statistical theory. Pearson is recognized for his work in formulating regression analysis and correlation coefficient, which have become fundamental tools in statistical analysis. These are just two examples of individuals with the last name Pearson who have made lasting contributions in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Pearson

The surname Pearson has an interesting genealogical history that can be traced back to medieval England. Derived from the patronymic form of the personal name Peter, Pearson signifies "son of Peter." The name Peter itself has biblical origins, coming from the Aramaic name "Cephas," meaning rock. The Pearson family likely originated in the northern regions of England, where the name first appears in records during the 13th century. Over time, branches of the Pearson family spread throughout the country, with notable concentrations in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Durham. The surname also made its way across the Atlantic with English immigrants, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, individuals with the last name Pearson can be found worldwide, exemplifying the extensive diaspora resulting from migration patterns and historical events. Expanding one's family tree can uncover more about the specific ancestral lineages and their unique stories within the larger Pearson familial fabric.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pearson"
• 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 April 2025

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