Price

Overview

Price is a common surname of Welsh origin, derived from the Old English word "pris," meaning "son of Rhys." It is notably prevalent in Wales, as well as in other English-speaking countries such as England, Australia, and the United States. The surname has a long and illustrious history, with several notable individuals bearing this name.

History

The Price surname can be traced back to the early medieval period in Wales, where it was originally used as a patronymic, indicating the son of Rhys, a popular given name in Welsh history. Over time, the surname became fixed and passed down through generations.

One of the most famous bearers of the Price surname was Sir William Price, a prominent Welsh physician and pioneering surgeon in the 18th century. His contributions to the field of surgery have left a lasting impact on medical history.

Distribution and Variants

The Price surname is most commonly found in Wales, particularly in regions with a strong Welsh heritage such as Glamorgan, Monmouthshire, and Powys. Due to Welsh migration and settlement patterns, the surname has also spread to other parts of the world, including England, Australia, and the United States.

Variants of the Price surname include Pryce, Prys, and Preece, each reflecting different regional dialects and historical influences.

Notable Figures

  • Sir William Price (1710-1785): A pioneering Welsh surgeon known for his advancements in surgical techniques and medical education.
  • Ken Price (1935-2012): An American ceramic artist known for his innovative and colorful sculptures.
  • Kathryn Price (b. 1983): A British screenwriter and producer, known for her work on popular television series.

Legacy

The Price surname continues to be a prominent and respected name in various fields, from medicine to the arts. Its Welsh origins and widespread distribution highlight the enduring influence of this ancient surname in contemporary society.

There are approximately 94,413 people named Price in the UK. That makes it the 60th most common surname in Britain. Around 1,450 in a million people in Britain are named Price.

Surname type: From name of parent

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Wales

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Welsh

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

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

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • 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.

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