Parr

Parr is a surname of British origin that is derived from the medieval given name "Peter". The name is predominantly found in the north of England, particularly in the counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire.

Origins:

The surname Parr is believed to have originated from the personal name "Peter", which itself comes from the Greek word "petros", meaning "rock" or "stone". The name became popular in England following the arrival of the Normans in 1066, and variations of the surname emerged over time, including "Parr", "Pare", and "Perr".

Distribution:

The surname Parr is most commonly found in the northern counties of England, with significant concentrations in Lancashire and Yorkshire. The name has also spread to other parts of the country and the world as a result of migration and emigration.

Notable Individuals:

  • Catherine Parr (1512-1548) - The sixth and final wife of King Henry VIII of England, known for her influence on religious matters during her time as queen consort.
  • Christopher Parr (b. 1965) - British Olympic swimmer who competed in the 1984 and 1988 Summer Olympics.
  • Sara Parr - Renowned British chef and cookbook author known for her contemporary approach to traditional British cuisine.

Variants:

Variants of the surname Parr include "Par", "Pare", and "Perr". These variations may stem from regional dialects and historical changes in spelling conventions.

In conclusion, the surname Parr is a longstanding British name with deep roots in the north of England. Its association with historical figures and its continued presence in modern society highlight the enduring significance of this surname in British culture.

There are approximately 14,075 people named Parr in the UK. That makes it the 636th most common surname in Britain. Around 216 in a million people in Britain are named Parr.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Alison
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Janet
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Victoria

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