Surname Prye - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'P'
Prye: What does the surname Prye mean?
The surname Prye is a craft name, derived from the old English term “prior,” and is believed to be connected to the occupation of a “craftsman.” The Priors or Pryes were men with specialised knowledge in a particular craft or trade. They were highly respected for their skills and knowledge, which resulted in the surname becoming well known and commonly used.
Prye is an occupational surname, referring to a man with a specific trade, gained from his skilled craft. Approximately 150 BC, the term ‘prior’ was used by the Romans to denote a person who held a public office or position in the military, which may be where the Prye name has its roots.
In some parts of the U.K. the name ‘Prye’ is spelled ‘Prude’ and in Scotland, it is sometimes spelled ‘Pruie’ or ‘Prew’. There is no clear origin for this version of the name, as many times the local dialect would change a name over time.
The Prye name continues to be a popular one, with many Prye families being found in Ireland, Scotland, and England today. Throughout history, the Prye name has been associated with a person of skill or knowledge. The Prye surname is indicative of both a professional heritage and a proud, well-respected lineage.
Order DNA origin analysisPrye: Where does the name Prye come from?
The surname Prye is primarily found in England and Scotland today, with a small number of instances taking root in other parts of the Anglo-Saxon world.
The exact origin of the name is uncertain, but its roots likely lie in Middle English, when it was considered a patronymic surname. The use of patronyms was common among the Anglo-Saxons, when people would take the first name of their father and add it as a second surname; in this case "Prye," or "son of the Prye," was most likely used.
The name was particularly common in Scotland during the 16th and 17th centuries, when the name spread from its origins in the East Riding area of Yorkshire. It is still present throughout Scotland in some form or another, primarily concentrated in the West Midlands and Lowlands.
In England particularly it is most common in the North and Northwest, resurfacing again in the Midlands at Stoke-on-Trent and further South around the Devon and Cornwall area.
It is also found in some parts of Ireland, mostly in the South of the country, and Canada. In the United States, it is also found in small but noticeable numbers, mainly concentrated in the Northeast.
Variations of the surname Prye
The surname Prye is a variant of the surnames Price and Pryce. It can also be spelled Pryse. The surname originated from the Old French word “pris”, meaning value or price.
Variations of the surname include Pry, Pryes, Prise, Pryce, and Pryes. Most of these alternate spellings originate from the different dialects and regions of the language spoken in England and Ireland during the 1600s. In some cases, the name may have been spelled differently due to misinterpretation of a record or simply a mistake made by the recorder.
The surname Prye originated in England and Wales and spread to Europe, particularly Ireland, during the 18th and 19th centuries. Records show that Pryes were listed in the census of counties such as Devon, Essex, Wiltshire, and Norfolk during the 16th century and later.
In the United States, the first Prye immigrants arrived in colonial Pennsylvania in the late 1700s. Other records show that the name began to spread into the Midwest in the 19th century. Today, the surname is common in many states throughout the US.
In the United Kingdom, variants of the surname can be found primarily in England, Wales, and Scotland. In particular, Prye is well-represented in the borderlands of North Wales, and Cheshire.
Variants of the surname have also survived in other countries. In Germany, Prye is spelled Prüe, while Pryse is spelled Prüß. In Denmark, Prye is spelled Pris.
Overall, the surname Prye is a variant of the Old French word “pris” meaning value or price. The spelling has changed over time due to dialects and migration, but its origin remains the same.
Famous people with the name Prye
- Ryan Pryce: a Canadian actor, singer and dancer.
- John Pryce: a British composer and conductor of stage and filming music.
- Harrison Pryce: a British actor, best known for his recurring role as Alex Beattie in the British drama series Sally Lockhart Mysteries.
- Mark Pryce: a Welsh professional rugby union player for the Scarlets regional team.
- William Pryce: a Welsh Member of Parliament who sat in the House of Commons from 1690 to 1713.
- Graham Pryce: an Australian actor who is best known for his role as Constable Dave Crawford in the 1970s television series Cop Shop.
- Stephanie Pryce: a British actress who has appeared in films and television shows such as Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Torchwood, and EastEnders.
- Thomas Pryce: an English organist, choir director and composer.
- David Pryce: a Welsh professional rugby union footballer who currently plays for the Scarlets regional rugby union team.
- Brian Pryce: a Welsh businessman and politician who has served as the Member of Parliament for Beverley since 1983.