Last Name Price

The last name "Price" has English origins. It is derived from the Middle English word "pris" or "prise," which means "price" or "prize." It was originally used as an occupational surname for a person who worked as a valued and esteemed individual or someone who determined the price of goods. Over time, "Price" became a widely adopted surname throughout England and eventually spread to other English-speaking countries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Price

The meaning and origin of the last name Price

The surname Price has origins in both England and Wales, and derives from the Old French word "pris" or "prix," which means "price" or "value." The name was likely introduced to England by the Normans during the 11th and 12th centuries. It is thought to have been an occupational surname, referring to an individual who worked as a seller, trader, or merchant. Another theory suggests that the name may have been a nickname given to someone who was considered valuable or precious. Over time, the surname Price became established and spread throughout the British Isles, including Wales, where it is particularly common. Today, the name is also found in other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, due to migration and globalization. The surname Price has witnessed various spellings over the centuries, including Pryce, Pruys, Pryse, and Priche.

Geographical distribution of the last name Price

The last name "Price" has a notable geographical distribution across various regions. One of the most prominent areas where the surname is abundant is the United States, particularly in the southern states. This can be attributed to the historical presence of early settlers with the surname in states like Virginia, Georgia, and Tennessee. Additionally, the name "Price" is also prevalent in other English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. In the UK, the name is dispersed throughout the entire country, with concentrations in Wales and the south-western region of England. Australia, being a former British colony, has a significant number of individuals with the last name in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. In Canada, the name can be found across different provinces, with notable concentrations in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. Overall, the surname "Price" has an extensive geographical presence in regions with historic connections to English-speaking populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Price

The last name Price has a few variations and spellings. One common variation is Pryce, which is derived from the same origin. Another variation is Preece, often found in Wales. This spelling variation likely resulted from regional pronunciation differences. In addition, there are a few less common variations, such as Prece, Prise, and Prace. These variants may have originated from transliteration or individual preferences when recording the name. The spelling Preiss can also be considered as a German variant of Price, stemming from the same root meaning "worthy" or "valuable." It is not uncommon for surnames to undergo variations and spelling changes due to migration, changes in pronunciation, or influences from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Despite these variations, the various forms of the last name Price all share a common origin and history.

Famous people with the last name Price

There have been several famous individuals with the last name Price who have left a lasting impact on their respective fields. One prominent figure is Vincent Price, an American actor known for his distinctive voice and his work in the horror genre. He appeared in numerous horror films, including "House of Wax" and "The Fly," becoming an icon of the genre. Vincent Price's theatrical presence and captivating performances have made him a beloved figure among fans of horror cinema. Another notable individual is Katie Price, a British television personality, author, and former model. Known by her media moniker "Jordan," Price rose to fame as a glamour model before transitioning to various media ventures, including reality TV shows and a successful line of novels. With her strong public presence, Katie Price has become a recognizable figure in the entertainment industry. Overall, the Price surname has been associated with talent and success in various fields, leaving an indelible mark on the realms of acting, literature, and media.

Genealogical research on the last name Price

The last name Price is of English origin and has a rich genealogical history. Derived from the Old English word "prys," meaning "price" or "value," it was initially used as an occupational name for a person who set prices or assessed the value of goods. Alternatively, it could have been a nickname for someone who was considered valuable or precious. Price is a fairly common surname found in various parts of England, but particularly in Wales. In Wales, it is often associated with the Anglicized form of the Welsh name "ap Rhys," meaning "son of Rhys." The surname has spread across the world, as many Price families emigrated to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Today, tracing the genealogy of the Price surname involves exploring records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, census data, passenger lists, and other historical sources to uncover the fascinating history and lineage of individuals bearing this name.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Price"
• 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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