Origin
The surname Pearce is of Old French origin, derived from the given name Peter, which itself originates from the Greek 'Petros' meaning 'rock'. It was introduced into England by the Normans and became established in medieval England. The name has been Anglicised and adopted as both a surname and occasionally as a given name. In Australia, Pearce is also associated with the Pearce family name and has historical links to early European settlers and soldiers, particularly in Western Australia.
Meaning
Literal translation: 'son of Peter'. In the Australian context, it conveys strength and reliability, often associated with traditional values and resilience.
Pronunciation
/pɪəs/ (Australian English pronunciation, with emphasis on the first syllable, often pronounced informally as /pɪəs/ or /pɪərs/ in casual speech) ,} ,
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Pierce
- Piers
- Peirce
Nicknames
- Perry
- Piercy
Name Days
- 29 June (Feast of Saint Peter in Catholic tradition)
- 29 June (Orthodox tradition)
- 13 October (Māori celebration of Te Rā o Pītā – Peter's Day in some contexts)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with pearce:
- James Pearce and William Pearce
- Emily Pearce and Olivia Pearce
- Jack Pearce and Charlie Pearce
Fun Facts
- The RAF base RAAF Pearce near Perth is named after Sir James Pearce, a notable Australian aviator.
- The surname Pearce appears among early settlers in Western Australia, with some descendants involved in agriculture and pastoralism.
- There was a famous Australian cricketer named David Pearce in the 1980s, contributing to the local sports culture.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name pearce:
- Dependable
- Traditional
- Resilient
- Loyal
Aesthetic Qualities
The name Pearce presents a classic, balanced typographic appearance; it is visually symmetrical and proportionate, making it appealing in both formal and casual contexts.
Geographical Distribution
Most common in Western Australia, particularly around Perth where the Pearce military base and airport are located. Also prevalent in New South Wales and Victoria.
Numerological Significance
Name Number: 7 (based on P=7, E=5, A=1, R=9, C=3, E=5). The number 7 is associated with introspection, spirituality, and analytical thinking in numerology.
Astrological Connections
No direct zodiac association, but individuals with the name are often born under signs associated with strength and resilience, such as Taurus or Aries, reflecting the meaning of 'rock' and robustness.
Historical Context
The surname Pearce gained prominence in Australia with early colonial settlers, and it has been borne by several notable Australians, including politicians, military figures, and artists. Its historical presence is intertwined with Australia's colonial history and subsequent development.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name naturally adapts across English-speaking countries, with minor spelling variants like Pierce used in the UK and USA. In non-Latin scripts, it often transliterates phonetically as Пиерс (Russian) or پئرس (Persian).
Famous People Named pearce
- Sir James Pearce (Australian aviator and military officer)
- David Pearce (Australian cricketer)
- Lucy Pearce (Australian artist)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2017 | 1 |
2016 | 2 |