PIERCY
Piercy
Piercy is a surname of English origin that is derived from the given name Peter. The name Peter itself is derived from the Greek name Petros, meaning "rock" or "stone". The surname Piercy is classified as a patronymic surname, reflecting the first name of an ancestor.
Origin and Distribution
The surname Piercy is most commonly found in the northern regions of England, particularly in counties such as Yorkshire and Durham. It is believed to have Norman roots, dating back to the period after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name has undergone various spelling variations over the centuries, including Percy, Pearcey, Pearcy, and Pearsy.
Famous Individuals
Notable individuals who have borne the surname Piercy include:
- Bishop Henry Piercy (c. 1500–1570) – English clergyman and Bishop of Exeter.
- Thomas Piercy (1839–1919) – English cricketer who played for Yorkshire and Sussex.
- Dorothy Piercy (1914–1998) – British mathematician known for her contributions to number theory.
Modern Significance
In contemporary times, the surname Piercy continues to be fairly prevalent, with descendants residing not only in the United Kingdom but also in various other parts of the world due to historical migration patterns. It is often passed down through generations as a familial link to the past, symbolising resilience and tradition.
Overall, the surname Piercy is a testament to England's rich cultural and linguistic heritage, reflecting the enduring influence of Norman and Greek origins on British nomenclature.
There are approximately 2,479 people named Piercy in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,537th most common surname in Britain. Around 38 in a million people in Britain are named Piercy.
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
- Mark
- Michael
- Richard
- Stephen
- William
Female
- Diana
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Jennifer
- Julia
- Julie
- Karen
- Linda
- Lisa
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.