P Last Names: Exploring the Origins and Meanings of Common P Surnames

Are you curious about the origins and meanings of last names starting with the letter "P"? This comprehensive list delves into the rich history and diverse cultural influences behind some of the most popular P surnames. From ancient roots to modern adaptations, we'll uncover the stories behind these family names and the people who bear them.
1. **Page:** From the Old French "page," meaning "boy servant" or "youth." This surname was often given to those who served in a nobleman's household.
2. **Palmer:** Derived from the Old French "palmer," meaning "pilgrim" or "one who carries a palm branch." This surname was often given to those who had traveled to the Holy Land.
3. **Parker:** Originating from the Old French "parcheur," meaning "keeper" or "guardian." This surname was often given to those who were responsible for guarding a park or forest.
4. **Patterson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Patrick." This surname is common in Ireland, Scotland, and England.
5. **Payne:** Derived from the Old French "payn," meaning "bread" or "baker." This surname was often given to those who were bakers or bread sellers.
6. **Pearce:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Pierce." This surname is common in England and Wales.
7. **Pearson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Peter." This surname is common in England and Scandinavia.
8. **Peck:** Derived from the Middle English "peke," meaning "a peck" (a unit of dry measure). This surname was often given to those who were involved in the grain trade.
9. **Peele:** Derived from the Middle English "pele," meaning "a tower" or "fortress." This surname was often given to those who lived near a fortified structure.
10. **Pendleton:** A topographic surname derived from the Old English "pendan," meaning "to hang" or "to incline," and "dun," meaning "hill." This surname was often given to those who lived on a hillside.
11. **Pennington:** A topographic surname derived from the Old English "pen," meaning "enclosure" or "fenced area," and "tun," meaning "farm" or "settlement." This surname was often given to those who lived near an enclosure.
12. **Percy:** Derived from the Norman French "Perci," meaning "piercing" or "powerful." This surname was often given to those who were brave or strong.
13. **Perez:** A patronymic surname derived from the Hebrew given name "Perez," meaning "to break through." This surname is common in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America.
14. **Perry:** Derived from the Old French "pere," meaning "pear" or "pear tree." This surname was often given to those who lived near a pear orchard.
15. **Peterson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Peter." This surname is common in Scandinavia and the United States.
16. **Phillips:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Philip." This surname is common in England and Wales.
17. **Pickett:** Derived from the Middle English "picket," meaning "a pointed stake." This surname was often given to those who were involved in fencing or agriculture.
18. **Pierce:** Derived from the Old French "pier," meaning "stone" or "rock." This surname was often given to those who lived near a stone quarry or a rocky area.
19. **Pike:** Derived from the Old English "pīc," meaning "pike" or "a sharp-pointed weapon." This surname was often given to those who were fishermen or soldiers.
20. **Pinckney:** Derived from the Old French "pincney," meaning "a small pin." This surname was often given to those who were involved in the textile industry.
21. **Piper:** Derived from the Middle English "pipar," meaning "piper." This surname was often given to those who played the pipe.
22. **Pitt:** Derived from the Old English "pytt," meaning "pit" or "hole." This surname was often given to those who lived near a pit or a quarry.
23. **Platt:** Derived from the Old English "plæt," meaning "flat" or "level." This surname was often given to those who lived on flat land.
24. **Poindexter:** Derived from the Old French "pointe," meaning "point" or "tip," and "dexter," meaning "right" or "skilled." This surname was often given to those who were skilled with a weapon.
25. **Pollard:** Derived from the Old French "pollard," meaning "a tree that has been pruned." This surname was often given to those who were involved in forestry.
26. **Porter:** Derived from the Old French "porter," meaning "to carry" or "to transport." This surname was often given to those who worked as carriers or doorkeepers.
27. **Powell:** Derived from the Old French "pouille," meaning "lice." This surname was often given to those who were barbers or hairdressers.
28. **Power:** Derived from the Old French "pouvoir," meaning "power" or "authority." This surname was often given to those who held positions of authority.
29. **Pratt:** Derived from the Old English "præt," meaning "proud" or "brave." This surname was often given to those who were considered to be courageous or noble.
30. **Price:** Derived from the Old French "pris," meaning "price" or "value." This surname was often given to those who were merchants or traders.
31. **Priest:** Derived from the Old English "preost," meaning "priest." This surname was often given to those who were priests or religious leaders.
32. **Prince:** Derived from the Old French "prince," meaning "prince" or "ruler." This surname was often given to those who were of royal descent.
33. **Pritchard:** Derived from the Old English "prīch," meaning "to preach" or "to teach." This surname was often given to those who were preachers or teachers.
34. **Proctor:** Derived from the Old French "procureur," meaning "attorney" or "proctor." This surname was often given to those who were legal professionals.
35. **Puckett:** Derived from the Middle English "puke," meaning "a small demon" or "goblin." This surname was often given to those who were considered to be mischievous or tricky.
36. **Purdy:** Derived from the Old French "poudre," meaning "powder." This surname was often given to those who were involved in the production of gunpowder.
37. **Putnam:** A topographic surname derived from the Old English "putte," meaning "pit" or "well," and "ham," meaning "home" or "settlement." This surname was often given to those who lived near a well or a pit.
38. **Pyatt:** Derived from the Old English "pīe," meaning "magpie." This surname was often given to those who were known for their chattering or talkativeness.
39. **Quarles:** Derived from the Old English "cwarl," meaning "quarry" or "stone pit." This surname was often given to those who were involved in the quarrying industry.
40. **Quinn:** A patronymic surname derived from the Irish given name "Cúán," meaning "descendant of Conn." This surname is common in Ireland and the United States.