P Last Names: Origins, Meanings, and Popularity

Looking for a unique and meaningful last name that starts with the letter "P"? You've come to the right place! This comprehensive list explores the fascinating history and origins of P surnames, from ancient roots to modern adaptations. Discover the stories behind these names, including their cultural significance and potential meanings. Whether you're researching your family history or simply seeking inspiration, this list provides a rich source of information and possibilities.
1. **Page:** From the Old French word "page," meaning "boy" or "servant," this surname was often given to young men who served in a noble household.
2. **Palmer:** Derived from the Latin word "palma," meaning "palm tree," this surname likely originated from a person who lived near or worked with palm trees, or who carried a palm branch as a symbol of peace or victory.
3. **Parker:** Meaning "keeper of the park," this surname was given to individuals who were responsible for the management of a royal or private park.
4. **Parsons:** A variant of "Pearson," this surname refers to a person who served as a priest or minister.
5. **Patterson:** This surname is a patronymic, meaning it is derived from a father's name, and is a variation of "Patrick."
6. **Payne:** Originating from the Old French word "paien," meaning "pagan," this surname was often given to people who were considered non-Christians.
7. **Pearce:** This surname is a variant of "Pierce," which is derived from the Old French word "pers," meaning "pear."
8. **Peck:** Derived from the Old English word "pecca," meaning "to peck" or "to strike," this surname could have been given to a person who worked as a woodcutter or a bird catcher.
9. **Peele:** This surname likely originates from a place name, referring to a person who lived in a place called "Peele" or "Peel."
10. **Pendleton:** This surname is derived from a place name, referring to a person who lived in a place called "Pendleton" in England.
11. **Penn:** This surname has several possible origins, including a place name referring to a person who lived near a hill or a pen, or a nickname for a person with a particular physical characteristic.
12. **Pepper:** This surname likely originated from a person who worked with or traded pepper.
13. **Perkins:** This surname is a patronymic, meaning it is derived from a father's name, and is a variation of "Perkin."
14. **Perry:** This surname is derived from the Old English word "pere," meaning "pear."
15. **Peters:** This surname is a patronymic, meaning it is derived from a father's name, and is a variation of "Peter."
16. **Phillips:** This surname is a patronymic, meaning it is derived from a father's name, and is a variation of "Philip."
17. **Pickering:** This surname is derived from a place name, referring to a person who lived in a place called "Pickering" in England.
18. **Pierce:** Derived from the Old French word "pers," meaning "pear," this surname was likely given to someone who lived near or worked with pear trees.
19. **Pike:** This surname likely originated from a person who lived near or worked with pikes, which were long, sharp weapons.
20. **Pinkerton:** This surname is derived from a place name, referring to a person who lived in a place called "Pinkerton" in England.
21. **Piper:** Meaning "one who plays the pipe," this surname was given to people who played the bagpipe or other similar instruments.
22. **Pitt:** This surname likely originated from a place name, referring to a person who lived in a place called "Pitt" in England.
23. **Platt:** This surname is derived from the Old English word "platt," meaning "flat ground."
24. **Plowman:** Meaning "one who plows the land," this surname was given to people who worked as farmers.
25. **Poe:** This surname likely originated from a person who worked with or traded in poetry.
26. **Pollard:** This surname is derived from the Old English word "pollard," meaning "a tree that has been pruned."
27. **Porter:** Meaning "gatekeeper," this surname was given to people who were responsible for guarding a gate or entrance.
28. **Potter:** Meaning "one who makes pottery," this surname was given to people who worked as potters.
29. **Powell:** This surname is derived from the Old French word "pouille," meaning "louse."
30. **Powers:** This surname is a variant of "Power," which likely originated from a person who possessed great strength or authority.
31. **Pratt:** This surname is derived from the Old English word "præt," meaning "trick."
32. **Preston:** This surname is derived from a place name, referring to a person who lived in a place called "Preston" in England.
33. **Price:** This surname likely originated from a person who worked as a priest or a cleric.
34. **Priest:** Meaning "a person ordained to perform religious services," this surname was given to individuals who served as priests or ministers.
35. **Prince:** This surname is derived from the Latin word "princeps," meaning "first" or "chief."
36. **Prior:** Meaning "a person who is in charge of a religious house," this surname was given to individuals who served as priors or heads of monasteries.
37. **Proctor:** Meaning "a person who acts as a representative," this surname was given to individuals who served as proctors or advocates.
38. **Pruitt:** This surname is derived from the Old English word "prut," meaning "proud."
39. **Pullman:** This surname is derived from a place name, referring to a person who lived in a place called "Pullman" in England.
40. **Purdy:** This surname likely originated from a place name, referring to a person who lived in a place called "Purdy" in England.