Priest

Priest is a surname of English origin, derived from the Middle English word "prest", which was an occupational name for a priest. This surname is typically associated with individuals whose ancestors may have been religious authorities or involved in church-related professions.

Origins and Distribution

The surname Priest dates back to medieval England, where priests held significant societal roles in the community as religious leaders. The name can be found throughout the United Kingdom, with concentrations in areas where churches and religious institutions were prominent.

Notable Individuals

1. Max Priest (1945-2003)

An influential British theologian and author known for his insightful writings on religious philosophy and ethics.

2. Sarah Priest (b. 1980)

A contemporary British artist celebrated for her unique representations of religious symbolism in her artwork.

Variants

Variants of the surname Priest include Prest, Priester, and Preston, reflecting the diverse ways in which the name has evolved over time.

References

  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

Overall, the surname Priest carries with it a legacy of religious significance and cultural heritage, making it a noteworthy component of British surnames.

There are approximately 7,333 people named Priest in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,275th most common surname in Britain. Around 113 in a million people in Britain are named Priest.

Surname type: Status name

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
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Carol
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Karen
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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