Last Name Pierri

The surname Pierri is of Italian origin. It is a variation of the more common Italian surname Pietro, which derives from the given name Pietro, meaning "rock" or "stone" in Italian. It was often used as a nickname for someone who had a sturdy build or strong character, and later became a hereditary surname. The spelling variations of this surname include Pieri, Pierri, Pieri, etc., depending on regional dialects and historical recording practices.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pierri

The meaning and origin of the last name Pierri

The surname Pierri is an Italian variant derived from the given name Pietro, which translates to "rock" or "stone" in English. It emerged as a patronymic name for sons of Pietro, signifying heritage or association with this popular male given name in Italy. The origin of the name can be traced back to ancient Rome where it was used as a personal name, reflecting respect and admiration for the strength and steadfastness symbolized by rocks. Over time, this name spread throughout Italy and its Italian-speaking colonies, with notable bearers including artists such as Carlo Maria Pierotti, who excelled in opera and sculpture during the 19th century. Today, the Pierri surname remains common in Italy, but can also be found among Italian diaspora communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pierri

The surname Pierri is predominantly found in regions with historical ties to Italy, particularly Tuscany and Campania. It is also present in significant numbers in Corsica, an island region belonging to France. Additionally, there are communities carrying the name Pierri in other parts of Europe such as France, Switzerland, and Malta. Emigration patterns in the 19th and early 20th centuries led to the establishment of Pierri families in North and South America, especially Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. Smaller groups can be found in Australia, New Zealand, and various countries in Africa and Asia, demonstrating a global diaspora of the Pierri family name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pierri

The surname Pierri has several variations and spellings, including Pierry, Piery, Pieri, and Perri. These differences can be attributed to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, and individual preference over time. In French-speaking regions, Pierry or Piery might be more common, while Pieri is typically found in Italian-speaking areas. The spelling Perri is also found, often among those of English, Scottish, or Irish descent who may have adopted the name from someone of Italian or French origin. It's important to note that these variations do not necessarily imply a different origin or ethnicity; they simply represent the adaptations and evolutions of personal names over generations.

Famous people with the last name Pierri

Among notable figures sharing the surname Pierri are:

1. Bobby Pierri (1928-1963): An American jazz trumpeter and bandleader who led the popular big band sound of the early 1950s, known for hits like "Opus No. 1" and "Woodchopper's Ball."

2. Lara Fabian (b. 1970): A Belgian-Italian singer-songwriter and actress who gained international fame in the late 1980s with her self-penned hit single "Tout simplement" and has since released numerous successful albums across various languages.

3. Gino Pierri (b. 1946): An Italian architect, urban planner, and philosopher, known for his work in sustainable design and development, including the concept of "Eco-city."

4. Peter Pierce (b. 1950): A Canadian-American author and journalist who has written extensively on environmental issues, including climate change, deforestation, and conservation efforts.

These individuals have made significant contributions in music, architecture, journalism, and environmental activism under the shared family name of Pierri.

Genealogical research on the last name Pierri

The surname Pierri originates from Italy and is predominantly found in regions such as Tuscany, Sardinia, and Sicily. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name Pietro or Piero, which means "rock" or "stone" in Italian. The earliest known records of the Pierri family date back to the late Middle Ages, around the 13th century. Over the centuries, the Pierri family migrated across Europe, with significant populations settling in France, Malta, and other Mediterranean countries due to trade and colonization. In North America, the first recorded immigrant bearing the surname Pierri arrived in Louisiana in the late 1700s. Today, there are notable Pierri families residing primarily in Italy, the United States, Canada, and France.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pierri"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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