Pierce
PIHRS
Pierce is an anglicised form of Piers, the medieval English form of Peter, from the Greek Petros meaning “rock” or “stone.” As a surname, it designated a son or descendant of Piers.
The name entered English through the Norman Conquest. Piers Plowman, the 14th-century allegorical poem by William Langland, is one of the most significant uses of the root name in English literature.
Pierce appeared in SSA records as early as 1886 at No. 394, with just 21 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 540 with 553 births, showing long-term steady growth.
What the name Pierce means
President Franklin Pierce (1804-1869) gave the name presidential associations. Actor Pierce Brosnan, who played James Bond from 1995 to 2002, kept it strongly in cultural view through the late 20th century.
One syllable—PEERS—is clean, sharp, and memorable. The name has an aristocratic, surname quality shared by names like Grant, Hayes, and Monroe.
Parents choosing Pierce typically want a surname-style name with genuine historical depth, presidential associations, and the James Bond connection that Brosnan brought to it.
As Peter declines and Piers remains rare, Pierce offers the same rocky meaning with a distinctly American surname flavour rather than the European given-name weight.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Pierce
Pierce - similar names
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