Surname Prier - Meaning and Origin
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Prier: What does the surname Prier mean?
The last name Prier is of French origin and it primarily means "to pray" as a derivative of the verb 'prier'. It is likely that it was initially occupational and used to distinguish individuals who held religious occupations such as a priest, monk, or someone who was devoutly religious. Its use could also be linked to individuals who lived near a church or a shrine, where prayers were often conducted. Notably, surnames during medieval times were based on an individual’s occupation, location, or personal characteristics, hence the last name Prier would reflect this naming pattern from that era. Like many surnames, variations of the spelling can be found with some documented forms including Prier, Priere, Pryer, and others. Over generations and migrations, the surname has spread beyond France and can now be found globally. However, please remember that meanings of surnames can differ based on regional, historical, and familial contexts.
Order DNA origin analysisPrier: Where does the name Prier come from?
The last name Prier is most common today in France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. According to a study of surnames in the region, it is the 425th most common, and is present in nearly 1,500 different communes. It is found most often in the north and east of France, with a higher concentration in the country's capital and in areas along the country's border with Luxembourg. Outside of France, the name is also relatively common in Luxembourg, appearing on almost twelve percent of the country's population. The name is also present in Belgium, although at a much lower rate than in France and Luxembourg.
Within the United States, the last name Prier is less common; according to the U.S. Census, fewer than 4,000 individuals with the name live in the United States. It is most commonly found in states near the eastern seaboard, such as New York, New Jersey, and California. Immigrants from France, Belgium, or Luxembourg may also have brought the name to the United States during the great wave of immigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
In comparison, the last name Prier is less common around the world, compared to many other European last names. However, it is still relatively well-known in France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, and has spread to the United States through migration and colonization.
Variations of the surname Prier
The surname Prier is mostly derived from the Old French surname Pires and is derived from Latin Pirata, meaning ‘pirate’. It is an occupational surname which was used by those whose job was to be a sea pirate. The most common variants of the surname include Prayers, Pryer, Preyers, Priers, Pryors, Priours, Pryours and Priours.
The various spellings of the surname over the centuries such as Pryors and Pryours are most likely hereditary spellings passed down from one generation to the next. In some cases, the spelling of the surname was changed for various reasons, such as when a person emigrantted to another country or society and adopted a different spelling.
The Prier surname is most common in France, where it is estimated that there are over 14,000 people with this surname. Additionally, the surname is widespread in other French-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Quebec, and Senegal.
The various surnames with the same origin and spelling but with different variants include Preyer, Pryer, Prayers, Pryors, Priers, Priours, Pryours and Priours, among others. These surnames are all variations of the same origin and typically have the same meaning.
The surname Prier is most likely derived from the Old French term "pire," which means "pirate," and has evolved over the centuries. The various variants of the surname are a reflection of its history and most likely came about due to changes in spelling, emigration, or different societies and cultures.
Famous people with the name Prier
- Brad Prier: American fitness celebrity and owner of Prier Athletics, a performance and lifestyle brand.
- Reese Prier: Australian swimmer and the former Australian Record holder in the 200 metre butterfly.
- Michael Prier: American artist, known primarily for his work in bronze sculpture and etching.
- Gisli Prier: Icelandic author, historian, and poet.
- Paul Prier: French sculptor, painter, and engraver.
- Jørgen da Costa Prier: Norwegian legal scholar and jurist.
- Astrid Prier: Danish fashion designer, journalist and entrepreneur.
- Aleksander Prier: Norwegian footballer who plays for Strømsgodset IF.
- Charles à Court Repington, 1st Baron Repton, formerly Charles à Court Prier: British soldier, military correspondent and historian.
- Pierre Prier: French pianist and harpsichordist.