What is the origin of the last name Perkins?
Countries of origin for the last name Perkins
The last name Perkins is of English origin and is derived from the personal name Peter or Petronius. It is a patronymic surname, meaning it originated from the given name of the father of the original bearer. The suffix “-kin” signifies “son of” in Old English. Therefore, Perkins translates to “son of Peter” or “son of Petronius.”
The surname Perkins has variants in different regions and languages. In Scotland, it is spelled Parkin or Parkins, while in Ireland, it can be found as Parkes. Variations of this name include Perkin and Parkyn. This variation can be attributed to different dialects, regional accents, and historical influences.
The earliest recorded instance of the surname Perkins dates back to the 13th century in England. The name was commonly found in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Yorkshire. It gradually spread to other parts of England and later to other English-speaking countries due to migration and colonization.
The Perkins surname has a notable presence in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This can be attributed to the British colonization of these regions, as well as subsequent waves of immigration.
As with many surnames, the meaning of Perkins has evolved over time. The initial connection to the given name Peter or Petronius has become less prominent, and the name is now primarily associated with the surname itself rather than its original meaning.
The Perkins surname has been passed down through generations, providing a sense of identity and continuity for descendants. It serves as a link to one’s ancestors and their historical context. Researching the origins and history of the surname can provide individuals with a deeper understanding of their family heritage.
While the available information provides insights into the origins and meaning of the surname Perkins, there is still much that remains unknown or uncertain. The nuances of how the name evolved and spread across different regions, as well as the specific stories of individuals who carried the surname throughout history, are topics that could be explored further.
Interesting facts about the last name Perkins
- The surname Perkins is of English origin.
- It is derived from the medieval given name ‘Perkin’, a diminutive of ‘Peter’.
- The name was originally given as a patronymic, indicating ‘son of Perkin’ or ‘son of Peter’.
- The Perkins surname is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the southern states such as Texas, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
- Perkins is also a popular surname in England, especially in the counties of Devon, Oxfordshire, and Buckinghamshire.
- The first recorded instance of the Perkins surname dates back to the early 13th century in England.
- Notable individuals with the surname Perkins include American author and activist Frances Perkins, who was the U.S. Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- The Perkins family name has diverse historical spellings, including Perkyns, Perkens, Perkine, and Parkins.
- In Old English, the name ‘Peter’ translates to ‘rock’ or ‘stone’, symbolizing strength and stability.
- The surname Perkins may also have connections to occupational origins, referring to someone who worked as a ‘perkner’ or ‘perkyn’, who were responsible for turning the soil in preparation for cultivation.