Origin & Meaning of the Pierson Surname
What does the last name Pierson mean?
The surname Pierson carries the meaning "Son of Pier." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 27,983 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Pierson ranks as the #1,254 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Pierson come from?
The Pierson surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Pierson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Pierson trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Pierson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Pier |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,254 |
| US Count (2010) | 27,983 |
| Per 100K People | 9.49 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Pierson
According to the US Census, the Pierson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 27,983 Americans with the Pierson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 84.3% |
| Black | 10.02% |
| Hispanic | 2.65% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.54% |
| Native American | 0.48% |
| Two or More Races | 2.01% |
Popularity of Pierson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Pierson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Pierson surname increased by 253 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Pierson Family
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- ✓ The Pierson coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Pierson families live today
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Pierson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Pierson.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Pierson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pierson
Top Surnames Starting with P
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter P, ranked by population.
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