Surname Pehr - Meaning and Origin
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Pehr: What does the surname Pehr mean?
The last name Pehr is a Swedish and Finnish given name and surname derived from the Old Norse personal name "Petrī" or "Petri". This name was popular among ancient Vikings and was derived from the Greek word "Petros" meaning "rock". It was also adopted by the Swedish and Finnish cultures as a variant of Peterson.
This name is widely associated with Swedish culture, as it is derived from the old Swedish name Pehr or Per, and in Finnish culture as Pera. Both of these names are derived from a common Nordic ancestry, which suggests the possible influence of Norse culture in Scandinavia.
It is believed that the name Pehr could have originated from Swedish merchants and traders, who played an important role in export and import of cargo from the Baltic's, Scandinavia and Russia in the Middle Ages.
In modern times, the name Pehr has been used mainly in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. It has also been adopted by other nationalities in countries such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
Individuals with the surname Pehr are typically associated with a robust, sturdy, and industrious nature; and a commitment to an independent and progressive lifestyle. Whether held by a man or woman, it is a name that carries with it a sense of honour, respect, and distinction.
Order DNA origin analysisPehr: Where does the name Pehr come from?
The last name Pehr is most common in Sweden and Finland. According to one study, it is the 39th most common last name in Sweden, where it is pronounced "pear" and originates from the Swedish word for "son of Peter." In Finland it is the 28th most common surname.
The name has also spread to other countries through Swedish and Finnish immigration. In the United States, it is the 25,132nd most common name. In Canada, the spelling is usually Pähr and it ranks 23,370th. Other countries where the last name Pehr is recorded include Australia, France, the Netherlands and Germany.
Many people with the last name Pehr are likely related, as it is quite rare. In Finland it is believed to have been first used by the Bishop Anders Pährs (born around 1470) and his descendants, who were living in the Åland region. The surname is also likely derived from the prefix "Päh-," which is related to the Swedish word "pär," meaning "pear tree."
Overall, the name Pehr is seen today in many parts of the world, but is still most common in Sweden and Finland. It is relatively rare, so those bearing the name Pehr are likely to be related in some way.
Variations of the surname Pehr
The surname Pehr originates from the family name Päärä, derived from the Old Norse and Germanic names Pjórr and Pehr. It is likely also related to the Germanic word "pahr", meaning "strong" or "powerful".
The surname Pehr is known by several variants and spellings, including Pehr, Perr, Peer, Peirr, Pjor, Pyor, and Pior. It has also been found spelled as Peter, Pfirr, Pfear, Pear, Päär, Äär, Pehrs, Parr, and Piers.
Some surnames with similar spelling roots to Pehr include Per, Perrick, Perlinger, Pare, Bare, Paretsky, Piering, Pior, Parcre, Parcent, Pilker and Peerless.
The Scandinavian versions of the surname often use the double “a“ spelling of Päär. Common variants of this form of the name include Päerv, Pääver, Perv, Perev, Pervv, Pierev, Pääv, Päävarr, Päävar, and Pävarr.
In Finland, the surname is traditionally spelled Päär, and variants include Päärä, Paire, Päaird, Päära, Põhjamaa, and Päärah. The Finnish version of the name is often shortened to Pehr.
In Estonia, the surname Pehr is often spelled "Põhjamaa" or "Päärat".
The Czech version of the name is written as "Píra" or "Pirák", while In Polish the variations are "Pierek" and "Pierożek". In Russia, the surname is spelled "Pjor" or "Pyor", while in Hungary it is written as "Pyar", and in Slovakia "Piar".
In the United States, it is not uncommon to find the spelling "Pierce". Lastly, in the Netherlands, the spelling is usually rendered as "Peer".
Famous people with the name Pehr
- Julia Pehrsson: a Swedish professional golfer.
- Isak Pehrson: a folk singer/songwriter and musician from Sweden.
- Richard Pehrson: a Swedish author and philosopher.
- Leif Pehrson: Swedish Olympic fencer.
- Tove Pehrson: a Swedish actress.
- Zacharias Pehrson: a Swedish sculptor.
- Oscar Pehrson: a Swedish racing cyclist.
- Johan Pehrson: a Swedish Olympic rower.
- Evert Pehrson: a Swedish footballer.
- Magnus Pehrson: a Swedish Olympic ice hockey player.
- Ola Pehrson: a Swedish artist and illustrator.
- Nicklas Pehrson: a Swedish ice hockey player.
- Erik Pehrson: a Swedish engineer and motor vehicle designer.
- Olle Pehrson: a Swedish painter.
- Marcus Pehrson: a Swedish economist and historian.
- Anders Pehrson: a Swedish painter.
- Elin Pehrson: a Swedish alpine skier.
- Laura Pehrson: a Swedish pop singer.
- Peter Pehrson: a Swedish politician.
- John Pehrson: a Swedish artist and illustrator.