"son of Piers (Peter)"
Origin: English patronymic
Language: English
Pearson
Pronunciation: [ p-IHRS-uhn ]
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A distinguished surname stepping into the spotlight
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Pearson
3 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"son of the rock"
Origin: Greek via Latin via Norman French
Language: English
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The Story of Pearson
Pearson is an English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Piers,' where Piers is the medieval Norman French form of Peter, itself from Greek 'Petros' meaning rock or stone. As a given name, Pearson follows the popular modern trend of surname-as-first-name, carrying the gravitas of a family name with a fresh feel. The name entered usage as a first name in the late 20th century, part of a wave of occupational and patronymic surnames being repurposed as given names.
Pearson gained attention partly through the NBC drama 'This Is Us' (2016–2022), where Pearson is the central family's last name. The show's cultural impact contributed to the name's appeal as a first name for boys, blending the familiar with the distinctive.
The Pearson surname is historically significant in England, appearing in records since the medieval period. As a first name, it represents the American tradition of repurposing strong, respectable surnames to give children a distinctive but grounded identity.
Historical Record
Pearson first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 1,319 babies have been named Pearson in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Pearson is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #2,768 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Pearson is the name of the central family in the hit NBC drama 'This Is Us'
- The name derives from Piers, the medieval version of Peter used in Norman England
- Pearson Education is one of the world's largest educational publishing companies
Pearson in Other Languages
French
Pierson
German
Pearson
Italian
Pearson
Spanish
Pierson
Popularity Over Time
#2,768
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Pearson
L
Lester B. Pearson
Politician
1897
14th Prime Minister of Canada and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who created the Canadian flag
J
Jack Pearson Fictional
Other
Central character in the NBC drama 'This Is Us,' portrayed by Milo Ventimiglia
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Compare Pearson with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,768
- Total SSA Count
- 47
- Cultural Origins
- English American British
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Pear
Pears
Pierce
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Pearson
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Pearson is also used as a girl name, ranked #12402.
View Pearson as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pearson
What does the name Pearson mean?
"son of Piers (Peter)" (from English patronymic). "son of the rock" (from Greek via Latin via Norman French). Pearson is an English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Piers,' where Piers is the medieval Norman French form of Peter, itself from Greek 'Petros' meaning rock or stone. As a given name, Pearson follows the popular modern trend of surname-as-first-name, carrying the gravitas of a family name with a fresh feel. The name entered usage as a first name in the late 20th century, part of a wave of occupational and patronymic surnames being repurposed as given names.
What is the origin of the name Pearson?
Pearson has English patronymic, Greek via Latin via Norman French, English, American, and British origins. In English patronymic, it means "son of Piers (Peter)". In Greek via Latin via Norman French, it means "son of the rock".
Is Pearson a boy or girl name?
Pearson is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2768. As a girl name, it is ranked #12402. Pearson is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Pearson?
Pearson is pronounced p-IHRS-uhn.
How popular is the name Pearson?
Pearson is currently ranked #2768 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Pearson?
Common nicknames for Pearson include Pear, Pears, and Pierce.
What are good middle names for Pearson?
Popular middle name pairings include Pearson James, Pearson Cole, Pearson Reid, Pearson Grant, Pearson Hugh, Pearson William, and Pearson Lee.
What are good sibling names for Pearson?
Names that pair well with Pearson as siblings include Hudson, Fletcher, Sawyer, Hadley, Emerson, Quinn, and Greer.
How many syllables does Pearson have?
Pearson has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Pearson a common or rare name?
Pearson is an uncommon name, ranked #2768 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Pearson
Pearson is a boy name with English, American, and British origins . The name means "son of Piers (Peter)" in English patronymic .
Is Pearson a boy or girl name? Pearson is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,768 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #12,402. Pearson is more commonly used as a boy name.
Pearson is currently ranked #2,768 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Pearson has 2 syllables and is pronounced p-IHRS-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Pearson include Pear, Pears, and Pierce. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis