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Last Name Perret

What is the origin of the last name Perret?

The surname Perret has French origins and is derived from the Old French word "perrier," meaning "stone mason." The name was originally a nickname for someone who worked with stone, particularly in building or sculpture. It is also possible that it could have been a topographic name for someone living near a quarry or rocky area. In various regions of France, the surname has several different spellings, including Perrette, Perrin, and Perrault, which are all derived from the same root word.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Perret

The meaning and origin of the last name Perret

The surname Perret is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "perrot," which means "little rock" or "petite pierre." This name was initially used as a diminutive form of the given name Pierre (meaning "rock"). Over time, it became a standalone surname in France and later spread to other countries due to migration. The Perret surname can be found among French settlers in North America, particularly Quebec and Louisiana, as well as in other regions with significant French influence. Notable individuals with the surname include French artist Raymond Perret (1893-1975) and American baseball player Paul Perret (born 1942).

Geographical distribution of the last name Perret

The surname Perret is predominantly of French origin, with a significant concentration within France itself, particularly in regions such as Burgundy and Franche-Comté. Beyond France, descendants of French immigrants have dispersed the name globally, primarily to countries that received substantial French immigration during the 18th and 19th centuries, including Canada, the United States, and Belgium. In North America, there are sizeable Perret populations in Quebec, Ontario, and Louisiana, as well as in various regions of the United States. In terms of global distribution, Perret ranks among the more common French surnames, with an estimated 75,000 to 100,000 bearers worldwide.

Variants and spellings of the last name Perret

The surname Perret has various spelling and pronunciation variations due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and historical periods. Some common variations include: Perrett, Pereet, Perrat, Perritt, Perratt, Perritte, and Pyrret. These variations may originate from different countries or regions, with some being more prevalent in France, England, or the United States. The name Perret is of French origin, derived from the occupational name for a weaver, which comes from the Old French word "perrer," meaning to card wool.

Famous people with the last name Perret

René Perret, born in 1873, was a Swiss engineer who designed and built the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa stabilization project in 1934. He was the chief engineer for the project and used a complex system of hydraulic jacks to gradually pull the tower upright over several years. Another notable figure with the last name Perret is Jean Perret, a Swiss physicist who made significant contributions to the field of solar energy. In the 1950s, he invented the compound parabolic collector, an efficient design for concentrating sunlight to generate heat. Lastly, Pierre Perret was a French racing driver and engineer who competed in Formula One between 1946 and 1952. He achieved three podium finishes during his career and is remembered as one of the early pioneers of the sport. These individuals have left lasting impacts in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Perret

The surname Perret originates from France and is derived from the Old French "perrot," which means "pearl" or "little rock." It is a common occupational name for a pearl diver or a maker of small stone objects. The name has several variants, including Perrot, Perrat, and Parrett, due to spelling variations in early records caused by differences in regional pronunciation and script. Notable figures with the surname include the French philosopher Henri-Louis Bergson, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1927, and the English footballer John Perret, who played professionally in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name Perret is also prevalent in Canada, Switzerland, and the United States, with significant populations in Quebec, Ontario, and Louisiana.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 23 July 2025

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