Pringle

Pringle is a Scottish surname of territorial origin, derived from the barony of Pringle located in the Scottish Borders region. The name is believed to have been derived from the Old Welsh word "prynghyll," meaning "hill of thorns." The Pringle family can trace its roots back to the Anglo-Saxon settlers who arrived in Scotland in the early medieval period.

The first recorded instance of the surname Pringle is from the 12th century, where they held lands in the county of Roxburghshire. The Pringle family played an influential role in the history of the Scottish Borders and were known for their involvement in local governance and military affairs.

Over the centuries, members of the Pringle family spread across Scotland and beyond, establishing branches in England and further afield. The surname has also been anglicised in various forms, such as Pringell and Pringill.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Pringle include Sir John Pringle (1707-1782), a prominent Scottish physician who served as Physician Extraordinary to King George III. The Pringle name has continued to be associated with various fields, including academia, business, and the arts.

Today, the surname Pringle remains relatively common in Scotland and the United Kingdom, with descendants of the original Pringle family found around the world. The Pringle tartan, a distinctive plaid design associated with the clan, serves as a symbol of familial pride and heritage.

In conclusion, the surname Pringle is a significant part of Scottish and British history, representing a lineage with deep roots in the Scottish Borders and a rich legacy of achievement and contribution.

There are approximately 7,470 people named Pringle in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,255th most common surname in Britain. Around 115 in a million people in Britain are named Pringle.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Robert
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Catherine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • 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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