Perkins is an English surname derived from Perkin, a medieval diminutive of the given name Peter. As a patronymic surname, it signifies "son of Perkin"—the suffix -s indicating a shortened form of "son of." The name Perkin itself, combining Per- (from Pier-, the Norman French form of Peter) with the diminutive -kin, emerged in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066.
Etymology
The earliest known bearer of the name was Perkin, a common given name in medieval Yorkshire during the late 13th and early 14th centuries. The surname gradually spread throughout mid- and southern England. Occasionally, some Perkins families may have acquired the name from the Welsh personal name Peredur (via Anglisization), though the patronymic-custered Norman origin remains predominant. The surname Parkinson is a related variant, ending with the additional diminutive suffix -son, literally meaning "little Peter's son."
Notable Bearers
- Perkins has been borne by many notable individuals across various fields. In arts and entertainment, actor Anthony Perkins (1932–1992) is best remembered for his portrayal of Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock's film Psycho. Percussionist and songwriter Al Perkins performed with noted folk-rock bands of the 1970s. Among authors and journalists, Francis Perkins (Colubia Dictionary bearer) and multiple writers bear the name. In sports, Jamaican sprinter Shellanekay Peachey is sometimes confused but the name includes Angel Perkins (born 1984), an American sprinter. Aboriginal activist Charles Perkins was a prominent figure in Australia's civil rights movement.
- Notable but not exhaustive: Arthur J. Perkins, viticulturist; Benjamin Douglas Perkins, propagandist of "Perkins tractors"; and Jim Perkins, automobiles.
- The name appears in fictional titles as well: English-American economist and human rights proponent: Terry's surname tied to the Robert Perkins Foundation. Fictional architects etc.
Variants
Equivalent surname forms in other languages include Petrov (Bulgarian/Russian/Soviet) and Petrosyan (Armenian). English own variants include Parkinson, Parks, and Peters.
Key Facts
- Meaning: "son of Perkin" (pet form of Peter).
- Origin: Norman/English, introduced after the Norman Conquest.
- Type: Patronymic surname.
- Regions: Common in mid- and southern England, now widespread in the English-speaking world.
Other Languages & Cultures
Sources: Wikipedia — Perkins