Summary

The surname Prior is of English origin and dates back to the medieval period. It was derived from the Old English word 'priour', which means 'prior' or 'monastic official'. The name was often given to those who held a high-ranking position within a monastery or belonged to a prestigious religious order.
There are
6787
Priors in the USA
Prior is the
5154th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Prior

MatthewPrior

English poet and diplomat known for his lyrical and satirical poetry, as well as his diplomatic career serving in various European countries.

JamesPrior

British politician who served as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and played a significant role in the Anglo-Irish Agreement.

EdwardPrior

English architect and writer, known for his contributions to the Gothic Revival movement and his writings on architectural principles.

AlicePrior

Renowned mathematician and computer scientist recognized for her groundbreaking work in algorithmic complexity theory and artificial intelligence.

JonathanPrior

Military strategist and historian specializing in ancient warfare, particularly known for his extensive research on the Roman military and tactics.

Prior Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Prior' has origins in medieval England and is derived from the Old English word 'priour' or 'prior,' meaning a religious official or a head of a priory.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Prior' is common in English-speaking countries, with notable concentrations in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Prior' include 'Pryor,' 'Pryer,' 'Priors,' and 'Priori.' These variations may arise due to regional dialects or phonetic spelling differences.
Migration and ImmigrationMigration and immigration of individuals with the surname 'Prior' have occurred over centuries. It is difficult to pinpoint specific times and places, but notable migration and immigration patterns include movements within Europe, particularly between England and other European countries, as well as emigration to English-speaking colonies during the expansion of the British Empire.