Surname Prince - Meaning and Origin

iGENEA DNA Test's Revealing Journey: Decoding Historical Secrets of the Prince Surname

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery through iGENEA's comprehensive DNA testing service, I've managed to delve into the rich history and cultural significance associated with the surname Prince. Through cutting-edge genotyping technology, with an emphasis on accuracy and precision, I've explored my lineage and embraced the roots of my heritage.

M. Prince

Prince: What does the surname Prince mean?

The last name Prince is of Old French origin and primarily signifies a title of royalty or rank. Its origin is "le Prince," which directly translates to "the Prince." This surname was often given to someone who carried himself with the air or manners of a prince, or as a nickname to someone who worked in a royal household, serving a prince or played the part of a prince in a pageant or play. So, this surname is considered to be occupational representing the job one does or an adopted nickname that became a hereditary surname. The popularity of this surname has grown due to historic and notable figures like Prince Rogers Nelson aka Prince, the legendary American Rockstar. Surname distribution data indicates that this surname is predominantly found in the United States, followed by England and Canada.

Prince: Where does the name Prince come from?

The surname Prince has a French origin, originally deriving from the Old French term "prince", meaning chief or principal, which was often used as a nickname for someone who behaves in a regal manner or who has played the part of a prince in a pageant. This surname journeyed to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066.

Prince could also be a status name from the French "le prince", denoting a notable figure in society, typically someone who was very regal or held a high rank within the community. Another theory is that it originated as an occupational surname for individuals who served in a prince's household.

The name spread throughout Europe and later to America with the waves of immigration. Today it is most common in English-speaking countries such as the United States, England, Canada, and Australia. Within the United States, the name is particularly prevalent in the southeastern states. In England, the name is largely found in the western midlands.

Despite these concentrations, Prince is a globally dispersed surname with significant representation in many countries across the globe. It is also frequently encountered in francophone countries like France and parts of Africa such as Ivory Coast due to historical French influence.

Variations of the surname Prince

The surname Prince has its origins in several parts of the world, so variations can be seen in different languages and geographical regions. Variations and similar surnames can include Prinz, Prinze, Prin, Prins, Princ, Princip, Printz, Pringo, and Prinse.

The surname can also be found as a part of a compound surname, such as Prince-Smith or Prince-Jones.

In French, it may appear as Leprince or Duprince. In Spanish, it can appear as Principe and in Italian as Principe or Principi. Also, some other surnames of the same origin might include Princey, Princeau, and Princet.

In terms of spelling, it can be found in a variety of forms due to differing cultural spellings and historical transformations. Some of these altered spellings include Prynce, Pryns, and Pryncez.

It's important to note that due to various linguistic, regional, and historical influences, there are likely many additional variations of the surname Prince found throughout the world. Additionally, some people may carry the name Prince not as a familial surname, but as an earned title or nickname, making the range of potential spelling and pronunciation variations even wider.

Famous people with the name Prince

• Prince Rogers Nelson (June 7, 1958: April 21, 2016), known professionally as simply Prince, was an American singer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, record producer and actor.
• Raina Henderson, known professionally as Taja Tae Prince, was an American rapper and songwriter.
• Prince Harry Duke of Sussex is a member of the British royal family.
• Serena Williams, is an American former professional tennis player.
• Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, is the heir apparent to the British throne.
• Prince Paul, is an American disc jockey, record producer and recording artist.
• Jacques Rogge, is a Belgian-born former athlete and public official who served as the eighth president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 2001 to 2013.
• Victoria Prince, is an American dancer and actress.
• Prince Jones, Jr., was an African-American man killed by a Prince George's County, Maryland police officer in the fall of 2000.
• Jason Prince, was an American football long snapper in the National Football League for the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts.
• Damion Prince, is a former American football offensive tackle in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles.
• Jarvis Williams, known professionally as Prince Po, is an American hip hop artist and member of rap duo Organized Konfusion.
• Maria de Lourdes Villiers Fugère, designated in France as the Princesse de Broglie, was a Mexican actress and the first wife of Aristide Briand, Prime Minister of France 1917-1920 and 1926-1932.
• Michael Prince is an American television writer and producer.
• Marlene Prince, is an American sprinter who competed mainly in the 100 metres and 200 metres.

Other surnames

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