Perrin
The origin of the surname Perrin
Perrin is a diminutive of Pierre, “rock.”
What kind of surname is Perrin?
As a patronymic surname, the surname Perrin was formed from a father's or ancestor's personal name — the single largest way hereditary surnames arose across Europe. Before family names became fixed, a man was often known as the son of his father (for example “John, son of Robert”), and over generations that link hardened into an inherited surname. Different cultures marked the relationship differently: English and Scandinavian names added “-son”, Irish and Scottish used “Mac” or “O’”, Slavic languages added “-ov”, “-ev” or “-vich”, and many languages simply reused the father's name unchanged. A patronymic surname therefore points back to a founding ancestor rather than a place or an occupation.
How French surnames work
French surnames grew from patronymics, occupations (Boucher, “butcher”), locational names (often with “de”, “du” or “des”), and descriptive nicknames. Norman French carried many into England after 1066, and centuries of French pronunciation smoothed their forms. Regional languages such as Breton and Occitan added further distinctive names.
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Perrin mean?
The surname Perrin means Little Pierre (Peter). Perrin is a diminutive of Pierre, “rock.”
Where does the surname Perrin come from?
Perrin is a surname of French origin.
What kind of surname is Perrin?
Perrin is a patronymic surname, derived from a father's or ancestor's given name.
How common is the surname Perrin in the United States?
Perrin ranks #2,948 among U.S. surnames (2010 U.S. Census), recorded for about 11,222 people.