Pearson

Pronunciation: [ p-IHRS-uhn ]

Boy Name #2,768 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A distinguished surname stepping into the spotlight

English American British

Modern Sophisticated Strong Unique Bold

Meaning & Origin

"son of Piers (Peter)"

Origin: English patronymic

Language: English

"son of the rock"

Origin: Greek via Latin via Norman French

Language: English

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.

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

Famous People Named Pearson

Lester B. Pearson

Politician

1897

14th Prime Minister of Canada and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who created the Canadian flag

Jack Pearson Fictional

Other

Central character in the NBC drama 'This Is Us,' portrayed by Milo Ventimiglia

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

Pairs Well With

Pearson James Pearson Cole Pearson Reid Pearson Grant Pearson Hugh Pearson William Pearson Lee

Sibling Names

Hudson Fletcher Sawyer Hadley Emerson Quinn Greer

Also a Girl Name

Pearson is also used as a girl name, ranked #12402.

View Pearson as a girl name →

Similar Names

Peter Nathan Percy Jackson Judson Major Madison Jason

Playground Safety

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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.