Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Parsons

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      Priest, Parson

      Variations

      Parson, Carson, Garson
      The name Parsons finds its origins in Old English, specifically from the word parson. The term parson originally referred to a parish priest in the medieval church. The name was given to individuals who held religious positions or were associated with the clergy. As names began to be adopted in England, it became common practice to use occupation-based names, leading to the emergence of the name Parsons.

      In history, the name Parsons has had a notable presence. It is found in various records, including ecclesiastical documents, parish registers, and tax or land records. Many Parsons families can trace their lineage back several centuries, with notable individuals contributing to communities, churches, and sometimes even playing influential roles in various societies. Today, the name Parsons continues to be prevalent across English-speaking countries. It is an enduring reminder of the importance of the clergy in medieval society, and those who bear the name often take pride in their ancestral connection to the priesthood. From religious leaders to everyday individuals, the name Parsons maintains its significance by preserving a connection to English history and the role of the church.

      Based on our records...

      Parsons

      Parsons

      This is the most common surname associated with Parsons.
      Elizabeth

      Elizabeth

      This is the most common name of those married to a Parsons.
      Parsons

      Parsons

      This is the most common name for a child of a Parsons.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1779 is when there were the most people born with the first name Parsons.

      Explore the origins of another name.