Surname Parnes - Meaning and Origin

Parnes: What does the surname Parnes mean?

The last name Parnes is a distinguished Jewish surname with roots in Eastern Europe. It is derived from the Yiddish word parnose, which means “subsistence”. This name was likely given to individuals in the Jewish community who were financially successful in their profession or trade.

The name is referenced most often in the United States, where immigration records from the late 19th century suggest an origin in German and German-speaking countries. Central Jewish communities in cities such as New York, Chicago, and Boston began to see emigrants from these regions, specifically from smaller towns in Germany and Poland. It is believed that members of this family line settled in these areas at the dawn of the 20th century and have since spread and assimilated across the country.

Additionally, the surname Parnes is associated with prominent figures in the entertainment industry and business. For instance, the renowned venture capitalist and investor Arthur Parnes (1912-1978) achieved considerable success through investments in major companies such as Continental Airlines, Universal Pictures, and Major League Baseball.

All told, the last name Parnes has a long and distinguished history, and is likely to remain a prominent surname for many generations to come. While not much is known about its past, one fact remains constant: the name is a mark of distinction and stands testament to the financial success achieved by the immigrant families that bore it.

Parnes: Where does the name Parnes come from?

The last name Parnes is most commonly found in certain regions of Eastern Europe, such as Hungary and Slovakia, as well as in Germany, France, the UK, and the US. It is most common in the Croatian region of Dalmatia, where it is believed to have originated.

In Hungary, the last name Parnes has been common since at least the 19th century. It is one of the most frequently occurring surnames in the country, especially in the city of Miskolc, the second largest city in Hungary.

In Slovakia, the surname Parnes is most common in the city of Bratislava and the surrounding region. It is thought to have been adopted by families from Germany, who were living in this region by the mid-18th century.

In Germany, the surname Parnes is most common in the region of Brandenburg. This area is known for its many Jewish populations. It is thought that this surname was adopted by Jewish families from the region in the early 19th century.

In France, the surname Parnes is most commonly found in the region of Lorraine. In the early 19th century, many Jewish families fled to this region from Germany and adopted this surname in order to disguise their Jewish ancestry.

The surname Parnes is also common in the UK, particularly in the East End of London, where many Jewish families settled in the late 19th century.

In the US, the surname Parnes is most commonly found in the states of New York and California. It is believed that the surname was adopted by Jewish immigrants who arrived in these states in the early 20th century.

Variations of the surname Parnes

The surname Parnes is a variation of the name Parness, which has origins in both the Jewish and Greek culture. In Jewish culture, it is believed to be the patronymic form of the Hebrew Jewish surname Parnas, with the ‘es’ being added to denote either reverence or respect. In Greek culture, it is believed to be derived from a combination of the Greek words ‘para’ (meaning near) and ‘orio’ (meaning mountain), hence meaning 'near the mountain'.

Due to the inherent differences in language, culture, and country of origin, there are several suggested spelling variants and alternate surnames of origin, with a few examples being listed below.

The most common spelling variations of the surname Parnes are:

Parnass, Parnes, Parneses, Parnesz, and Parnose, as well as alternative surnames such as:

Parniani, Parnianos, Parniolo, Parnios, Parnizo, Parnoose, Parnose, and Parnoso.

In terms of the geography of the surname, research has suggested that the suburb of Bergenfield, New Jersey is one of the more significant areas where the surname Parnes is found, having been established in the early-to-mid twentieth century. Although most commonly associated with this area, the surname has been spread to other regions, mainly due to immigration and travel.

Famous people with the name Parnes

• Tony Parnes: Boxing referee, author and lecturer
• Yulia Parnes: Russian dancer and choreographer
• Joe Parnes: American rabbi
• Morris Parnes: American lawyer
• Alan Parnes: Retired comedy writer and actor
• Abraham Parnes: American politician
• William Parnes: American composer
• Aron Parnes: Israeli artist
• Robert Parnes: American conductor
• Leon Parnes: Canadian radio broadcaster and voice-over artist
• Alexander Parnes: American electrical engineer
• Yale Parnes: Producer and director
• Ruth Parnes: New York City politican
• Abe Parnes: American Publicist
• David Parnes: British real estate agent and television personality

Other surnames

ParnellParness