Last Name Place

The last name "Place" is of English and French origin. In both cases, it is derived from the Middle English or Old French word "place," which means "a vacant spot or open space." It was originally used as a topographic surname for someone who lived near an open area or marketplace. Alternatively, it could have been an occupational name for someone who worked or lived at a specific place, such as a town or a manor house.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Place

The meaning and origin of the last name Place

The surname Place is derived from the Middle English word "plas" or "place," meaning a dwelling, abode, or a particular location. It is a topographic surname, originally given to someone who lived near a prominent place or specific geographical feature. This could include a village, a farm, a marketplace, or even a court. The surname Place can also be an occupational name, referring to someone who worked at an important location, such as a palace or manor house. Alternatively, it could be a nickname given to someone who acted in a noble or high-ranking manner. The surname Place has its roots in England and can be traced back to the medieval period. It was commonly found in various regions of the country, particularly in the South and East, where there were many significant places and landmarks. Over time, families with the surname Place have spread to other parts of the world through migration and settlement, resulting in its presence in different countries today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Place

The last name Place has a diverse geographical distribution around the world. It is most commonly found in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In the United States, Place is scattered throughout various states, with a notable concentration in California, New York, and Texas. In Canada, it is more prevalent in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The United Kingdom also has a significant number of individuals with the surname Place, with concentrations in England, Scotland, and Wales. Additionally, the name can be found in other countries with historical connections to English-speaking nations, including Australia and New Zealand. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Place reflects its origins in English-speaking regions, but it has also spread to various other countries around the globe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Place

The last name "Place" is a relatively simple surname, with few variations or alternate spellings. However, it is worth noting that minor changes in spelling can occur due to transcription errors, regional dialects, or personal preferences. Some possible variations or alternative spellings of the last name Place may include Plaice, Plase, Plaace, Plass, or Plaise. These variations might have originated from different regions or countries, resulting in distinct pronunciations or spelling adaptations. It is also important to mention that the last name Place may have been subject to anglicization or translation when immigrants arrived in new countries, leading to further deviations in spelling. Despite these possible variations, the surname "Place" generally remains consistent and recognizable across different English-speaking countries and communities.

Famous people with the last name Place

There have been several notable individuals throughout history with the last name Place, each making their mark in their respective fields. One such famous person is Francis Place, a prominent British social reformer, who played a crucial role in advocating for workers' rights and social justice during the Industrial Revolution. Another well-known figure is Mary Kay Place, an accomplished American actress, singer, and director, renowned for her versatile performances in films and television shows. Additionally, we cannot overlook Dana Place, a successful American entrepreneur, innovator, and founder of legendary hot sauce producer "Place's Burning Desire.” Moreover, the acclaimed photographer, Nancy Floyd Place, has garnered international recognition for her captivating and thought-provoking visual narratives. Lastly, we have Charles Place, a distinguished mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of algebraic topology, further advancing our understanding of abstract mathematics. These individuals, among others, have left an indelible impact on their respective disciplines, cementing the name Place in history.

Genealogical research on the last name Place

The surname Place is of English origin and can be traced back to the medieval period. It is derived from the Middle English word "plas" or "plasce," meaning a place or space. The name may have originally denoted someone who lived by a specific location or had some association with a particular place. Over time, this locational surname evolved into a hereditary surname passed down through generations. Variations of the surname Place include Plaice, Le Place, and Plasse. Genealogical research reveals that individuals bearing the surname Place can be found across different regions of England, including Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Devon. They were involved in various occupations, including farming, fishing, trade, and even landed gentry. The surname has also spread to other parts of the world, particularly the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, through migration and colonization. Today, descendants of the Place surname can be found worldwide, maintaining a diverse and interconnected family tree.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Place"
• 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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