Surname map of PERKINS

Surname: Perkins

Origins of the surname Perkins

The surname Perkins has origins in England and Wales and is primarily a patronymic surname, meaning it originally indicated "son of Perkin." The name Perkin itself is a diminutive form of the given name Peter, which was introduced to Britain by the Normans after the conquest of 1066. The Normans brought with them many personal names of biblical origin, and Peter, meaning “rock” in Greek, became widely used throughout medieval England and Wales. Over time, the diminutive suffix “-kin” was added to create Perkin, signifying “little Peter” or “son of Peter,” which then evolved into the hereditary surname Perkins. Early records of the surname can be traced back to the 13th century, particularly in counties such as Norfolk, Suffolk, and Yorkshire, where Norman influence and settlement were significant.

The meaning of the surname Perkins is therefore closely tied to its origin as a patronymic name. It literally denotes “son of Perkin,” linking bearers of the name to an ancestor named Perkin or Peter. In medieval society, such surnames were important for identification, inheritance, and social status, particularly as populations grew and more precise ways of distinguishing families became necessary. The name Perkins carries connotations of lineage and continuity, emphasizing the importance of family heritage and ancestral ties in English and Welsh culture. As a surname, it reflects the widespread adoption of Norman personal names and the gradual Anglicization of these names into familiar English forms.

The variants of the surname Perkins include Parkins, Perkin, Perkyn, and Perkens. These variations often emerged from regional pronunciations, the spelling practices of local clerks, or the gradual phonetic evolution of the name over centuries. In some cases, the “s” at the end of Perkins was added to signify “son of,” while other forms retained the simpler Perkin. Despite these differences in spelling, all variants retain the original meaning and emphasize descent from an ancestor named Perkin or Peter.

Distribution of the surname Perkins

The surname Perkins is found predominantly in England, with historical concentrations in the eastern counties such as Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire. It is also present in other regions of the United Kingdom, including Wales and parts of the Midlands. Internationally, the surname spread widely through emigration, particularly during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, when English families migrated to North America, Australia, and other parts of the British Empire. In the United States, Perkins became established in states like Massachusetts, Virginia, and New York, often associated with early colonial settlers. In Canada and Australia, families bearing the surname settled in both urban and rural areas, contributing to the global presence of the name. Today, Perkins is recognized as a surname with deep English and Welsh roots, and it remains relatively common in English-speaking countries around the world.

Famous people with the surname Perkins

Among the famous people who bear the surname Perkins, there are notable figures in politics, entertainment, sports, and academia. Carl Perkins was an influential American rockabilly musician known as the “King of Rockabilly” and for his classic song contributions to early rock and roll. Elizabeth Perkins is an acclaimed American actress recognized for her roles in film and television. Anthony Perkins gained international fame as an actor, most notably for his portrayal of Norman Bates in “Psycho.” In politics, Perkinsons have also achieved prominence in various public offices in the United Kingdom and the United States. These examples illustrate the enduring influence and global reach of the surname Perkins, highlighting its historical roots and contemporary significance across multiple fields.