Surname Parlan - Meaning and Origin

Parlan: What does the surname Parlan mean?

The last name Parlan is of French and Welsh origin. It is believed to be derived from the Latin word "parra," meaning pear-tree, which suggests an agricultural or horticultural origin. In France, the name may have originally referred to a person who farmed pear trees. As a surname, it is found most frequently in Wales, where it may have been taken by Welsh settlers in southwestern France during the Middle Ages. The name is also found in Ireland, where it is believed to have been brought by intermarriage with Welsh families.

The meaning of Parlan is thought to refer to it being a location-based name, or one where a family historically resided. As such, it could indicate a person who is from a town or area called Parlan. Similarly, the name might also indicate an ancestor from any place in the world where the surname subsequently spread during migration.

Parlan is also seen as a spelling variation of Parland, which is Dutch in origin. It is thought to be derived from the Dutch word “parcel,” which describes divided-up land parcels. It likely indicated a tremarkable or dominant family in a region during the eleventh and twelfth centuries.

Overall, the last name Parlan appears to have multiple meanings, and may have originated from several distinct sources. Ultimately, its true meaning and origin will depend on the branch of the family.

Parlan: Where does the name Parlan come from?

The last name Parlan is most commonly associated with Italian heritage, however it can also be found in countries around the world. In the United States, the highest concentration of individuals bearing the Parlan surname resides in California, with the second greatest concentration of people with this name in New Jersey.

In Italy, it is estimated that about 500 people still bear the Parlan surname, with most living in the Campania region. In other parts of Europe, the Parlan surname can be found in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania. It is also present in Australia, the Philippines, and Canada.

As a predominantly Italian surname, the genealogy of the name is traceable as far back as the 16th century. At that time, the Parlan name was located almost entirely within the region of Venice and Genoa. Its roots are believed to come from the Latin name “Perellius”, which later evolved to form the Parlan surname.

Although the name is most well-known in Italian heritage, it has spread out around the world as migration has increased. This means that the surname is still in use today, although the numbers are drastically reduced compared to past generations.

Variations of the surname Parlan

Parlan is an uncommon surname of French origin. It is a variant of the more common name Parlant, which traces its origins back to the Old French word parlant, meaning “speaking”. In English, variants of Parlan include: Parlaunt, Parlent, and Parlanne. As surnames, these variants may further be spelled: Parlanne, Parlent, Parlont, Parlaunt, Parlauntne, and Parlance.

In addition to its French origin, variants of Parlan can be found in other European countries. Records from the 16th century show instances of Parlan in England, as well as Germany and Spain. In England, the most common variant is Parlant. English language variants include: Parling, Parlingt, Parelen, Persing, Parlin, Perlant, Perlent, Parlynete, Parlington, and Perlinge.

Parlin is also a variant found in Germany and other parts of Europe. This variant is also spelled as Parlein. In Spain, the variant peren is also found. Other variations of Parlan include Parlan, Parlany, Parlaley, Parla, and Perlan.

No matter the spelling, all variants of the name Parlan are derived from the Old French parlant, “speaking”. It likely would have been a surname given to someone who was particularly renowned for being eloquent and persuasive in public speaking or in their personal interactions.

Famous people with the name Parlan

• Errol Parlan: Jazz pianist popular in the 1950s and 1960s, known for works such as Tenderly, Sunday Morning, and In the Groove.
• Jimmy Parlan: A jazz saxophonist, flutist, and composer active in the New York jazz scene in the 1960s and 1970s.
• Harry Parlan: Jazz pianist, mentored by Thelonius Monk, worked and recorded with legendary jazz musicians such as Art Blakey, and Miles Davis.
• Alfredo Parlan: Puerto Rican born composer, arranger, and conductor who has worked and recorded with legends such as Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, and Dave Brubeck.
• Edward Parlan: Jazz pianist, composer, and producer who has recorded with jazz legend Herbie Hancock, among others.
• Joe Parlan: Jazz organist, pianist, and composer, most known for his work with prog jazz fusion bands such as the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Return to Forever, and John McLaughlin.
• Bucky Parlan: Jazz pianist, worked with such jazz greats as Art Blakey, Chet Baker, and Thad Jones/Mel Lewis.
• Barbara Parlan: Jazz pianist and vocalist, has released a number of solo albums over the years and worked with notable jazz musicians such as Irene Reid and Stanley Turrentine.
• Pat Parlan: Jazz pianist and session player, has worked with many jazz luminaries, such as Dizzy Gillespie and Don Patterson.
• Cedric Parlan: jazz musician and recording artist, most known for his work with Sun Ra's Arkestra.

Other surnames

ParlakParlar