Surname Pierra - Meaning and Origin
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Pierra: What does the surname Pierra mean?
The last name Pierra is French in origin, and may be derived from the Latin root "petrus," meaning rock or stone. It is thought to have originally referred to a family of stonemasons or stonecutters. This surname can be found in many areas of grande France, from Picardy all the way to the Mediterranean.
The Pierra name may have been given to families during the Middle Ages as an occupational name, indicating that they worked in the stone or masonry trade. The constant development of castles and monasteries, along with the increasing popularity of stone and marble interior decorating, led to the need for an entire caste of workers to provide these services. Over time, the Pierra name began to be associated with families who were or who had been active in the masonry trade.
The Pierra surname is also associated with several branches of the French military. During the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, regions such as Picardy and other parts of northern France supplied the country with a large number of professional soldiers. Those carrying the Pierra last name may have been involved in this particularly line of work.
Today, the Pierra surname is still found in France and other areas of Europe, as well as Canada, the United States and elsewhere around the world. The name may now refer to a broad range of occupations, although it is still commonly associated with stonework and the military.
Order DNA origin analysisPierra: Where does the name Pierra come from?
The Pierra surname is most commonly found in the Latin American countries of Mexico, Peru, and Colombia. In Mexico, the surname is concentrated in the states of Mexico City, Zacatecas, and the state of Chihuahua. In Peru, the surname is more widespread, with families found in the regions of Lima, Huancavelica, and Ayacucho. In Colombia, the surname is most common in the cities of Bogotá, Medellín, and the city of Cali.
In addition to Latin America, the surname Pierra can also be found in several European countries, including France, Spain, Italy, and Germany. In France, the surname is most concentrated in the regions of Paris, Alsace, and Brittany. In Spain, the surname is tied to the regions of Andalusia, Castile-La Mancha, and Madrid. In Italy, Pierra families are mainly found in the cities of Rome, Genoa, and Turin. In Germany, families of the surname Pierra are mainly concentrated in Bavaria.
Outside of Europe and Latin America, Pierra surname can also be found in smaller numbers in various countries around the world. These countries include Canada, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel.
Overall, the Pierra surname is most commonly linked to Latin America, particularly Mexico, Peru, and Colombia. While it is not impossible to find the Pierra surname in other countries, Latin America is most strongly associated with this surname.
Variations of the surname Pierra
Pierra is an uncommon surname but is a variant of the more common surname Pierre. Spellings and surnames of the same origin include:
1. Pierro: A common variant spelling, pronounce the same as Pierra.
2. Pieri: An Italian variant, pronounced "pee-AIR-ee," specific to families that have roots in Italy.
3. Peirre: An alternate spelling, possibly French in origin.
4. Pierrel: Also an alternate spelling, of French origin, pronounced "peer-REL".
5. Pierrard: A variant French spelling pronounced "peer-ARD".
6. Pierret: Another French variant, pronounced "peer-AY".
7. Pierrie: A variation also specific to families with roots in Italy.
8. Pyrra: A rare variant of Pierra, pronounced "peer-ah".
Pierra is a surname of French origin, and is found among French-Canadian families. The first known recorded spelling of the family name was in 1290, by Guillelmus Petre, of Berkshire, England, during the reign of King Edward I of England. Variants of the surname Pierra are found in France, Italy, and abroad in countries with French-speaking populations, including Canada and the United States.
Famous people with the name Pierra
- Charles Pierre, 19th century French politician
- Andrea Pierra, Italian dancer and choreographer
- Marcelo Pierra, Chilean actor
- Emmy Pierra, French journalist and writer
- Raul Pierra, Argentine composer
- Abel Pierra, Spanish sculptor
- Andrea Pierra-Rivolta, Italian architect
- Angelo Pierra, Italian soccer player
- Carlo Pierra, Italian composer and conductor
- José Pierra, Spanish architect