PARSONS
Parsons
Origin and Etymology: The surname Parsons is of English origin, deriving from the Middle English term "persona", meaning a parson or rector in the church. It was originally an occupational name given to individuals who worked as parish priests or clergy members.
History: The surname Parsons can be traced back to medieval England, where the role of the parson was highly respected within the community. Those bearing the surname often held positions of authority and influence, playing a significant role in the religious and social fabric of their respective communities.
Distribution and Popularity: The surname Parsons is a relatively common surname in England and has spread to other English-speaking nations over time. It is particularly prevalent in regions with strong historical ties to the Anglican Church.
Notable Individuals:
- Alan Parsons (b. 1948) - British audio engineer and musician known for his work in the music industry.
- Lucy Parsons (1853-1942) - American labor organizer and radical socialist, though not of British descent, plays a prominent role in history.
Variants: Variants of the surname Parsons include Parson, Parsonage, and Parthen.
References:
- Reaney, P.H., & Wilson, R.M. (1995). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 42,010 people named Parsons in the UK. That makes it the 174th most common surname in Britain. Around 645 in a million people in Britain are named Parsons.
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
- Anthony
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Caroline
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Parison
- Parsonson
- Paerson
- Parson
- Parisson
- Parkeson
- Parkson
- Parons
- Parrison
- Parsen
- Parsens
- Parsins
- Parsison
- Parsisson
- Parsno
- Parsom
- Parsson
- Parssons
- Parston
- Pauson
- Pausons
- Pawson
- Pawsons
- Pearcence
- Pearison
- Pearsen
- Pearso
- Pearsom
- Pearson
- Pearsons
- Pearsson
- Peerson
- Pehrson
- Pehrsson
- Peirson
- Perason
- Perrson
- Persen
- Persence
- Person
- Personius
- Persons
- Persson
- Peurson
- Piarson
- Pierson
- Piersons
- Pirson
- Porson
- Prason
- Prassinos
- Preasance
- Precions
- Presence
- Prsons
- Pursen
- Purson
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.