Last Name Piras

The last name "Piras" is of Sardinian origin. Sardinia is an Italian island located in the Mediterranean Sea. The name "Piras" is derived from the Sardinian word "pira" or "pilla," which means "pear." It is a common surname found primarily in Sardinia or among Sardinian diaspora.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Piras

The meaning and origin of the last name Piras

The surname Piras is of Italian origin. It is believed to have originated from the Sardinian region of Italy. The name Piras stems from the Italian word "pira" which means "pyre" or "funeral pyre." The name was likely originally used to describe someone who lived near a place where funeral pyres were once burned or possibly even someone who worked in the funeral industry. Surnames often originated from a person's occupation, location, or distinctive feature, providing insights into their family history. The Piras surname may also have variations such as Pirra or Pira, and it is possible that different branches of the family adopted alternative spellings over time. As with many surnames, tracing the precise origin and meaning can be challenging, but the surname Piras is likely connected to historical elements of funeral rites and practices in Italy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Piras

The last name Piras has a predominantly Italian origin and is fairly common within the country. It is primarily concentrated in the central and southern regions of Italy, including Sardinia, Campania, Lazio, and Sicily. These regions have historically served as the ancestral homes of many Piras families. Within Sardinia, the island where the name is particularly prevalent, the province of Cagliari stands out as a notable hub for the Piras surname. Outside of Italy, the name is also found among the Italian diaspora in various countries around the world, especially in Argentina, the United States, and Australia, where many Italian immigrants have settled over the years. Additionally, due to globalization and increased mobility, individuals with the last name Piras may be found in different parts of the globe as a result of migration and intermarriage.

Variants and spellings of the last name Piras

The last name Piras, derived from Italian origins, may exhibit various spellings and variations based on regional and linguistic differences. Common variations include Pirass, Piraz, Pires, and Pirahs. These alternative spellings may arise due to migration, phonetic interpretations, or transcription errors over time. Regional variations can also contribute to the different forms of the name, such as Piros in Hungary or Pira in Sardinia, an island in Italy. Additionally, certain cultures may adopt alternative spellings to accommodate their phonetic systems and language peculiarities. It is worth noting that when individuals or families move to different countries or cultures, their names may undergo further modifications to align with local naming conventions. These variations and spellings contribute to the diverse representation and evolution of the Piras surname, highlighting the intricacies of name genealogy and the human migration history.

Famous people with the last name Piras

Unfortunately, there are no well-known famous people with the last name Piras that have reached a level of recognition on a global scale. The name Piras appears to be relatively uncommon, and thus there have been no individuals who have garnered significant fame or notoriety to date. It is important to note that fame can be a subjective concept, and there may be individuals within specific local communities or professions who are well-known and respected despite not achieving widespread recognition. However, in the context of globally acknowledged celebrities or figures, the last name Piras does not appear to be associated with any famous personalities at this time.

Genealogical research on the last name Piras

The surname Piras is an Italian and Sardinian surname. It likely has its roots in the Latin word "pyrus," meaning pear tree, suggesting a possible association with agriculture or the orchard industry. The name Piras can be found primarily in the regions of Sardinia and some parts of mainland Italy, such as Lombardy and Piedmont.

Genealogical research indicates that the Piras surname has ancient origins, with individuals bearing this name recorded as far back as the Middle Ages. Over time, the name has been passed down through generations, often associated with specific towns or villages in the aforementioned regions.

As with many surnames, it is not uncommon to find various branches and variations of the Piras name, such as Pirasini or Pirasi, which may have emerged due to regional linguistic influences or different transliterations. Today, descendants of the Piras family can be found not only in Italy but also in various parts of the world where migration has taken place. Comprehensive genealogical research can uncover specific family connections, historical events, and linkages within the larger Piras family tree.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Piras"
• 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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