What is the origin of the last name Perron?

The surname Perron has roots in French language and originated from the Old French word "perron," meaning a raised platform or stone slab, often used as a stepping-stone. This name was typically given to someone who lived near such a structure, or whose occupation involved working with them. In some cases, it could also be an occupational surname for a stonecutter or mason. It is most commonly found in France and French-speaking regions, although people with the name Perron can be found worldwide due to historical events such as immigration and colonization.
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Learn more about the origin of the last name Perron

The meaning and origin of the last name Perron

The surname Perron is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "perron," which translates to "stair" or "platform." It was most commonly used as a topographic name for someone who lived near a flight of steps or an elevated platform, although it could also be an occupational name for someone who constructed such structures. The name may have originated in the region of Normandy in France and was likely brought to other parts of Europe during the Middle Ages by French settlers or Crusaders. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have led to numerous forms of the name, including Perrault, Pereira, and Peregon, among others. The surname Perron is now common throughout France and its former colonies, as well as in other parts of Europe and North America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Perron

The surname Perron is predominantly of French origin and is widely distributed across France, particularly in regions such as Normandy, Brittany, Picardy, and Alsace. A significant number of people with the last name Perron can also be found in Quebec, Canada, due to French colonization and immigration. In addition, the surname Perron is present in smaller numbers in various parts of North America, including the United States, where it is primarily concentrated in states like Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Michigan. The distribution of the name Perron can also be traced in European countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Germany, as well as other French-speaking regions around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Perron

The surname Perron has various spellings and variations across different regions and historical periods. Some common variations include Perron, Perrone, Perrault, Perrot, and de Perron. In French-speaking countries or among French descendants, the name often retains its original form with an accent on the second syllable (Pérron). Over time, some families may have altered the spelling of their surname due to phonetic changes, anglicization, or other cultural influences. Additionally, the name Perron can be found in multiple countries and regions, such as France, Canada, Belgium, and the United States, among others. It is also possible that some individuals with this surname may have originated from different branches of the same family tree, leading to further variations in spelling.

Famous people with the last name Perron

The Perron family is notable for its association with one of the most intriguing stories in American history: the Amityville Horror. Lutz and Carolyn Pfeiffer, who claimed to have experienced supernatural occurrences in their Amityville home, were originally known as the Lutz family. After selling the house to the Perron family in 1979, George and Nancy Perron lived there with their five daughters for 28 months. Their experiences in the house were later documented in Jay Anson's book "The Amityville Horror" and several subsequent adaptations. The Perrons claimed to have encountered various poltergeist activities, including moving furniture and objects, cold spots, and ghostly apparitions. Following their experience, the family has since kept a low profile and is less known publicly than the Lutz family.

Genealogical research on the last name Perron

The surname Perron originates from France and is primarily associated with the regions of Normandy and Picardy. The name has multiple possible origins; it could derive from a personal name such as Pierres (meaning "stones"), Pierre (meaning "rock" or "stone"), or Perron (meaning "small stone" or "stone platform"). Another theory suggests that the name may have been used to denote someone who lived near a large stone. In medieval France, it was common for individuals to take their profession as their surname; in this case, it is possible that an early Perron was a stonemason or a stonecutter. The Perrons emigrated from France to various parts of the world during the colonial period, with significant populations now found in Canada, Louisiana (USA), and Quebec (Canada). Genealogical records for the Perron family are most abundant in these regions.

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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