Last Name Piearcy

The surname Pearce or Pierce is of Old English origin. It is derived from a variety of given names that were popular in England during the Middle Ages, including Percival, Pierro, and Peter. These names were originally given to boys as personal names but over time became hereditary surnames passed down through families. The spelling variations Pearce and Pierce both originate from the Old French form Pierre, meaning "rock" or "stone." Throughout history, this surname has been recorded under many different spellings including Percy, Piers, Pierce, Pearce, and others due to variations in transcription and translation over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Piearcy

The meaning and origin of the last name Piearcy

The surname Pearce (also spelled as Piearcy) is of English origin, derived from a variety of sources. One theory suggests that it is a nickname for a clever or astute person, stemming from the Old French word "perc" meaning 'sharp' or 'keen', which was used to describe someone with a keen intellect. Another theory proposes that Pearce is a topographic name for someone who lived near a pear tree (Old English "pearce"), or a metonymic occupational name for a pear-tree keeper, pear-gatherer, or pear-seller. The name may also have Norman origins, as it was introduced into England following the Norman Conquest in 1066 and could be a variant of the French surname Perce. Over time, various regional spellings of Pearce have emerged due to scribal errors and dialectical variations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Piearcy

The surname Pearce is predominantly of English origin and is widely distributed in several English-speaking countries due to historical migration patterns. It is most common in England, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire, Worcestershire, and Cornwall. The name also has a significant presence in Ireland, likely as a result of Anglo-Norman settlements. In North America, Pearce can be found throughout the United States and Canada, with concentrations in states such as Virginia, Massachusetts, and New York, as well as provinces like Ontario and Nova Scotia. It is also present in Australia and New Zealand, where it may have been brought by British settlers. However, due to modern migration patterns, Pearce can now be found globally among communities with English-speaking origins.

Variants and spellings of the last name Piearcy

The surname Pearcy has several variants and spellings due to transcription errors over time and regional dialects. Some of these variations include Percy, Piercey, Piersey, Pierci, Piersey, Percie, Perse, Pearsie, Peirce, Pearsee, Pearse, and Pearssy. These variations can be found in various English-speaking countries such as England, Ireland, Scotland, and the United States. The most common spelling is Pearcy or Percy, with Percy being more prevalent in British usage. It's important to note that these variants can also have different origins and meanings depending on the specific region and historical context they originated from.

Famous people with the last name Piearcy

Notable individuals bearing the surname Pearcy include:

1. Samuel Pearcy (1769–1841), an American politician who served as a U.S. Representative from Maryland.
2. Edward Pearce (1817-1897), an English cricketer who played first-class cricket for Cambridge University and later became the President of MCC.
3. Frank Pearcy (1864–1935), a British-born Australian cricketer, who was one of Australia's finest all-rounders in the late 19th century.
4. William H. Pearcy (1900–1987), an American politician and judge who served as Associate Justice of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
5. Leigh Pearce (born 1963), an Australian former professional tennis player, who reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 28 in 1987.
6. Jillian Pearce (born 1984), a British actress and model, best known for her roles in the soap operas Emmerdale and EastEnders.

Genealogical research on the last name Piearcy

The surname Piearcy is primarily found in France and England, with variations such as Piercey, Pearcey, Percy, and Pearcy originating from Norman France and brought to England by the Normans following the conquest in 1066. The name is a variant of Percy, derived from the Old French "Perci" or "Pierret" which means "stone enclosure" or "pear tree."

Notable individuals with the surname Piearcy include English musician Jamie Pearcey and American actor Peter Pierce. In France, Pierre de Percy was a prominent figure during the Hundred Years' War, serving as Marshal of France under Charles VII. The name also has Irish roots, where Pierse is an Anglicized version of Mac Giobuaidh, meaning "son of the judge."

In genealogical records, variations in spelling are common due to factors such as illiteracy, personal preference, and regional dialects. Ancestry research indicates that the Piearcy lineage can be traced back several centuries in both France and England, offering a rich history for those researching their family tree.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Piearcy"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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