Origin
English surname originating from 'son of Piers,' derived from the given name Piers (related to Peter), which itself stems from Latin 'Petrus,' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' The surname Pearson has been documented in England since the Middle Ages and reached Australia with British settlers. It is primarily of Anglo-Saxon origin, with no specific Aboriginal or Māori roots.
Meaning
Literal translation: 'son of Piers' or 'son of Peter.' In Australian English contexts, it connotes familial lineage or heritage. The name also evokes notions of strength and stability associated with the meaning 'rock' or 'stone.'
Pronunciation
/pɪəsən/ (Australian English pronunciation, with stress on the first syllable) , with the 'r' often softly pronounced or non-rhotic in some Australian accents.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Pearson (original/standard spelling)
- Piersson (less common variation)
- Peresun (rare phonetic variant)
Nicknames
- Perry
- Pierce
- Piers
Name Days
- 29 June (Feast of Saints Peter and Paul)
- 4 October (World Animal Day, often commemorated with community events in Australia)
- Other religious feast days relevant to Christian traditions observed by some Australian communities.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with pearson:
- James and Oliver
- Henry and William
- Alexander and Thomas
- Eli and Noah (for a more contemporary pairing)
Fun Facts
- The surname Pearson is well-represented in Australian academia and sports.
- Pearson International, a known company, shares its name with the surname, though not directly linked to Australian history.
- The name is also associated with various Australian businesses and local figures, diversifying its cultural footprint.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name pearson:
- Reliable
- Traditional
- Family-oriented
- Resilient
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has a classic, balanced visual layout. Appears straightforward and timeless in typographic forms, suitable for both formal and casual contexts.
Geographical Distribution
More common in urban regions like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, reflecting migration and settlement patterns from Britain during colonisation. Less prevalent in rural and Indigenous communities.
Numerological Significance
Name number 8, associated with power, ambition, and material success according to numerology principles, fitting with Australian cultural values of achievement and resilience.
Astrological Connections
No specific zodiac association; however, those named Pearson born under the Sun signs of Taurus or Capricorn may be stereotypically associated with traits of reliability and determination.
Historical Context
Famous bearers include Sir Leonard Pearson, an Australian marine biologist known for his work in marine conservation. The surname also appears in Australian sports, with several cricket and rugby players bearing the name.
Linguistic Adaptability
Remains largely unchanged across English-speaking countries, with minor pronunciation variations. It adapts easily into different languages due to its Latin roots.
Famous People Named pearson
- Leonard Pearson (Marine Biologist)
- Eric Pearson (Australian Footballer)
- Matthew Pearson (Businessman)
Popularity in Australia
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 |