Surname Preble - Meaning and Origin
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Preble: What does the surname Preble mean?
The last name Preble is believed to be of English origin. It is thought to have derived from the Old French word 'prepel,' which means 'fowl bean.' This could be a reference to a field in which the bean was grown as a crop. It is also possible that the name Preble could be a derivative of the French word 'praille,' which means 'humble.'
The spelling of the name Preble has changed throughout history. Early occurrences of the name have been found spelled as Praible, Prebble, Prible, Pruble, Prebil and Preball. Over time, the name has evolved to its most common spelling.
In England, the Preble name can be found mainly in Kent and Lincolnshire counties. In the United States, there is significant presence of the Preble surname in Maine, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and New York.
Those with the surname Preble today are likely descended from immigrants who arrived in America during the colonial period. Preble is an uncommon but distinct surname in America. Variations of the name are rarely encountered in other countries, thus making it unique.
Those with the last name of Preble may have known their ancestors to have been farmers, merchants or may have been part of a prominent family. It is likely that those carrying the last name of Preble are proud of their English roots and tradition.
Order DNA origin analysisPreble: Where does the name Preble come from?
The last name Preble is an English name of Norman origin, originally spelled Prebel, and is most commonly found in the United States today. It's most likely a derivative of the French word Prébaud, which means brilliant or strong.
In the United States, Preble is most common in the Northeast, particularly in Maine and Massachusetts. The emphasis gradually shifts to the Midwest with Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin having the next highest concentrations of the name. According to the last United States census in 2020, the top five states with the highest number of Prebles are Maine, Massachusetts, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan.
In addition to the United States, Preble is also common in Canada, especially in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario. Preble is also common in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Australia.
All in all, Preble is widely scattered throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in other countries in the English-speaking world. It is an uncommon name, but one with reflective English roots that evoke the image of a brilliant or strong individual.
Variations of the surname Preble
The surname Preble has several variants, spellings, and surnames of similar origin including:
Pribble, Predmore, Prebble, Prable, Pruible, Proble, Prubel, Pruble, Prubel, Pruble, Prabel, Prebill, Prebels, Prebil, and Prebles.
The surname Preble is mostly found in America, where it is the 1,902nd most common name according to the last U.S. census. It is likely derived from the Old French word “preble”, meaning “small” or “trivial.”
The earliest form of the surname Preble, was Pradubons, found in Yorkshire and Gloucester in 1273. In Ireland, variants of the Preble surname originated in County Galway. The spelling changed many times throughout the years in both countries, resulting in the variations listed above.
The Preble surname is also found around the world in other countries, such as France, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The spelling variants and surnames of similar origin for the Preble surname around the world are all derived from the same origin, which is Old French.
The Preble surname also has a long history of use in the United States military. Preble County, Ohio is named after Edmund Preble, an American naval officer who was an admiral during the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812. Additionally, Preble Street in Portland, Maine, is named after Oliver Preble, who was another naval officer from the same era.
Overall, the surname Preble has a wide range of variants, spellings, and surnames of similar origin derived from its old French origins. Though found largely in America, the surname is also seen around the world and has a long history in the American military.
Famous people with the name Preble
- Preble Stolz: American movie actor known for his roles in films such as Big Money Rustlas and Yellowstone Cavalry.
- Edmund Preble: An American naval officer during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.
- Edward Preble: An American naval officer who made important contributions to the early part of the War of 1812.
- Daniel Preble: Famous American author and poet.
- Ernest Preble: Influential American naval officer and first Rear-Admiral of the United States Navy.
- George Henry Preble: American hydrographer and naval officer who wrote several notable publications on the field of marine science.
- John Vinton Preble: Congressman from Maine who also served as captain in the Union Navy during the Civil War.
- Francis Preble: American inventor and traveler who wrote several books about his travels.
- Timothy Preble: Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts and successful entrepreneur.
- Ezekiel Preble: American Revolutionary War veteran and one of lawyers for President John Adams in his defense against impeachment.