As described in historical dictionaries

An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)

We suppose that its first founder was a clerical character or parson. From the Latin Persona, that is, the person who takes care of the souls of his parishioners.

Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.


Patronymica Britannica (1860)

PARSON. PARSONS. \Iay refer to tlie sacred office, in which case, see Ecclesiastical SuRXAJiES. More probably, however, it is the same as Pearson, Pierson — the son of Peter.

Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.


Surname type: Status name

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

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