Here we have a little of our family history

First, the name Pearce...from a computer based family name history!

Pearce

The English surname Pearce is a variant of the name Piers.  Both these names are of patronymic origin, being derived from the first name of a father.  They are based on the old French personal name 'Piers' or Peter.  Peter evolved from the Greek word 'cephas' which means rock.  The name was popular in thee middle ages during the time when surnames were becoming hereditary.  However, after the Reformation its popularity waned because of its association with the Catholic Church.  It is recorded in the Doomesday Book of 1086 in the form 'Petrus'.  However, the form 'Piers' was brought to England by the Normans.

The Surname occurs in the English documents as early as 1198 when one Gilbert Perse of London was registered in the 'Pipe Rolls'.  In 1237 the existence of one Geoffrey Petes of Essex is recorded and Adam Pieris is listed in the 'Subsidy Rolls' for Warwickshire in 1332.

Notable bearers of this surname include Patrick Pearse (1879-1916), the Irish republican leader who was chosen as president of the provisional republican government proclaimed during the Easter Rising of 1916.  He was one of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence but was shot for his role in the rising.  Variants of the name include Pierce, Pieris, pears, Pearson, and Persse.

Blazon of Arms:   Ermine a leopard rampant guardant proper, in chief three bees volant sable.

Translation            The fur ermine is a symbol of nobility

                            The leopard represents a brave and courageous warrior

                            The bee signifies well governed industry

Crest                    The leopard sejant guardant proper

                            The forepaw reposing on an escutcheon argent charged with a

                            bee volant sable

Origin                    England

updated 13 Dez 2009