PRYOR
Pryor
Pryor is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, denoting a title or occupation. The name is thought to have derived from the Old English word "pry," meaning "priest," and the suffix "-or," which often signified an agent or a doer.
History and Distribution
The surname Pryor has been recorded in England since at least the 12th century. Variants of the name include Prior and Prier. It is believed that the name was used to describe someone who worked for a priest or within a religious institution. Over time, the name Pryor spread throughout England and has now become relatively common.
Notable Individuals
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the surname Pryor. These include musicians, politicians, actors, and other prominent figures. Richard Pryor, the American comedian and actor, is perhaps one of the best-known individuals with this surname.
Variants
The surname Pryor has several variants, including Prior, which is a common variation found in historical records. These variations can be attributed to differences in spelling and pronunciation over time.
Modern Distribution
The surname Pryor is still found predominantly in the United Kingdom, particularly in England. However, members of the Pryor family have migrated to various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and other English-speaking countries.
In modern times, the Pryor surname continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining its historical significance and connection to English heritage.
There are approximately 3,573 people named Pryor in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,573rd most common surname in Britain. Around 55 in a million people in Britain are named Pryor.
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
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Matthew
- Michael
- Richard
- Stephen
Female
- Angela
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
- Victoria