Last Name Piris

Learn more about the origin of the last name Piris

The meaning and origin of the last name Piris

The surname Piris is of Spanish origin, stemming from the medieval period. It is derived from the Occitan word "pira," which means "fire" or "piro," which means "pear tree." This surname may have been originally used to identify someone associated with a place named for a fire or a pear tree. Over time, it became a hereditary name passed down through generations in Spain. The spelling variations of the name include Perez, Pirès, and Pires, reflecting the phonetic differences in the use of languages within Spain. Today, individuals bearing the surname Piris can be found predominantly in Spain, particularly in regions like Aragon, Catalonia, and Valencia, as well as in other Spanish-speaking countries. The name has also spread globally due to migration, with notable figures such as soccer player Sergio Piris Burset bearing this surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Piris

The surname Piris is predominantly found in Spain, with significant concentrations in the regions of Aragon, Catalonia, and Navarre. Historically, this region was known for its feudal system where nobles carried specific surnames reflecting their origins or professions. The name Piris is believed to have origins linked to the medieval military class, possibly derived from the occupation of a page (paje in Spanish) or a guard (piosero). Beyond Spain, smaller numbers of individuals bearing the surname Piris can be found in other parts of Europe and South America, primarily due to migration during colonial times. The name's geographical distribution thus reflects historical patterns of movement within and beyond Spain.

Variants and spellings of the last name Piris

The surname Piris has several variations and spellings worldwide. Some common spelling variants include Peris, Pieris, Piritz, Piritzs, Pyrz, Pyrzes, Pyrysz, Pyrzec, Pyrzyk, Piers, Perez, and Pirace among others. These variations may stem from regional dialects, ancestral origins, or transcription errors over time. The root form, Piris, is thought to be of Celtic origin, possibly derived from the Latin word "pirum" meaning pear tree, suggesting an early inhabitant lived near a pear orchard. The name is most common in regions with a historical connection to the Celts, such as Spain, France, and parts of the United Kingdom. It is also found among populations of Spanish or Basque descent in South America.

Famous people with the last name Piris

Notable individuals sharing the surname Piris include:

1. Pedro Piris (born 1962), a Spanish rally racing driver who competed in the World Rally Championship between 1984 and 1997, winning the Spanish Rally Championship four times and finishing second in the overall standings of the WRC in 1986.

2. José Piris (1859-1930), a Spanish industrialist who founded the Bodegas Pirís winery in La Rioja, Spain, which is now one of the most important wineries in the region. He also played a significant role in developing the Rioja Denominación de Origen and the modern Spanish wine industry.

3. Antonio Piris (1869-1942), a Spanish philosopher, politician, and educator. As a member of the Liberal Conservative Party, he served as Minister of Public Instruction in various governments between 1905 and 1930. He was also the co-founder and rector of the University of Santiago de Compostela.

4. Juan Antonio Piris (born 1967), a Spanish sports journalist, commentator, and radio host, who has worked for various media outlets including Radio Marca, Cadena SER, and Movistar Deportes. He is known for his work covering football and motor racing.

Genealogical research on the last name Piris

The surname Piris has roots traceable to several regions in Spain and Portugal, primarily originating from the Iberian Peninsula. One of the earliest records of the name is found in the province of Gerona, Catalonia, Spain during the late Middle Ages. Over time, variations such as Peris, Pirès, and Piross emerged due to spelling inconsistencies and regional dialects. The surname likely stemmed from a personal name or a place name, with possible origins including 'Pedro' (meaning "rock" in Spanish), or a location with the same or similar name. As populations migrated and intermarried, the Piris name spread across Europe, especially to Italy, France, and the New World. In America, large communities of people bearing the surname Piris can be found in countries like Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Cuba, Mexico, and the United States, where the name remains common today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Piris"
• 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 : 13 June 2025