Last Name Pryce

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pryce

The meaning and origin of the last name Pryce

The surname Pryce is of Welsh origin and is derived from the Latin name "Prisius" or "Preseus," meaning ancient or aged. It is a patronymic surname, indicating that it was often derived from a father's given name. The name Pryce is also associated with the Welsh word "ap" or "ab," which means "son of." Therefore, it can be understood to mean "son of Pryce" or "son of someone named Pryce." Over time, the "ap" or "ab" prefix was dropped, and the surname Pryce became established on its own. In Wales, the name Pryce has been present since at least the late medieval period. Various notable individuals bearing the surname have contributed to their family's legacy, such as the famous Welsh novelist and poet John Cowper Powys, whose birth name was John Cowper Powys-2nd-Price. Additionally, the surname Pryce can be found among Welsh communities worldwide, particularly in areas where Welsh immigrants settled, contributing to its global presence and continued significance.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pryce

The last name Pryce has a primarily British and Welsh geographical distribution. Originating from Wales, the surname can be traced back to the Welsh word "ap Rhys," meaning "son of Rhys." As a result, many individuals with the last name Pryce can be found in Wales, particularly in areas like Glamorgan, Caernarfonshire, and Pembrokeshire. Additionally, it is prevalent in other parts of the United Kingdom, including England and Scotland. Outside of the UK, the name Pryce is also found in other English-speaking countries with historical ties to the British Empire, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The migration patterns of the Welsh and British people contributed to spreading the last name Pryce to these regions. Overall, while Pryce is predominantly associated with Wales and the United Kingdom, its appearance in other countries with a British influence suggests a wider geographical distribution resulting from historical migration and settlement.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pryce

The last name Pryce may have several variations and spellings depending on regional pronunciations, historical influences, and personal preferences. Common variations include Price, Prise, and Prys. These variations may stem from alternative spellings in different countries or dialects. In some instances, the surname may be spelled as Preiss, Preise, or Prais, particularly in German-speaking regions. Another less common variation is Pruys, which may have Dutch origins. The surname may also have additional letters, such as a silent "e" (Pryce) or an added "s" (Prices). These variations could result from transcription errors, misspellings over time, or anglicized versions of names from different languages. Despite the many variations, the core surname remains the same, and all iterations trace their roots back to the original meaning of "Pryce," which is believed to derive from the Welsh word "ap Rhys," meaning "son of Rhys."

Famous people with the last name Pryce

One of the most famous individuals with the last name Pryce is Jonathan Pryce, a renowned Welsh actor. He has achieved global recognition for his diverse range of performances on stage and screen. Pryce has a long list of notable roles, including his depiction of King Aerys II Targaryen in the television series "Game of Thrones" and his Tony Award-winning portrayal of the Engineer in the musical "Miss Saigon." Another well-known figure is Roger Pryce, an accomplished British bass player. He has played alongside legendary musicians such as Eric Clapton and Dire Straits, making significant contributions to the music industry. Furthermore, the world of motorsports knows Damon Pryce, a British professional racing driver. Pryce competed in Formula One during the early 1980s and tragically lost his life while participating in the South African Grand Prix. These famous individuals with the last name Pryce have made their mark in various fields, cementing their place in history.

Genealogical research on the last name Pryce

The last name Pryce, often spelled Price, has Welsh origins and is derived from the Welsh personal name "ap Rhys," meaning "son of Rhys." Rhys was a common given name in Wales during the medieval period, and ap Rhys indicated a patronymic surname, denoting descent from a male ancestor named Rhys. Over time, the surname ap Rhys evolved to become Pryce or Price as pronunciation and spelling changed. The Pryce family name can be traced back to Wales, particularly in the counties of Radnorshire, Montgomeryshire, and Breconshire. Many descendants of the Pryce surname migrated from Wales to other parts of the United Kingdom, including England and Scotland, as well as further afield to countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Today, variations of the Pryce surname are found globally, with individuals proud of their Welsh heritage.