Surname Press - Meaning and Origin
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Press: What does the surname Press mean?
The surname Press originates from a number of different roots. In Polish and Jewish Ashkenazic cultures, it's derived from the term "presser," which was used to describe a cloth presser or a person who pressed clothes, indicating an occupation. Similarly, in English cultures, it was used to refer to a person who worked with a printing press or another type of press machine, hence an occupational surname.
In some regions of Germany, the surname Press came from the Middle High German term "bressen" meaning "to press," and in these cases, it was likely also an occupational surname. The surname may also be topographical, coming from the Middle High German "breste" or "breuste," referring to a cleared area or pasture.
It's important to note that the exact origins could vary greatly depending on the family's geographical location and history, and some meanings could be rooted in the local dialect, occupations, or the geographical characteristics of the original bearer's dwelling place.
Order DNA origin analysisPress: Where does the name Press come from?
The last name Press can be found today mainly in the United States, with a large number of people with that surname living in states such as California, New York, and Florida. It is also frequently found among Jewish people of Eastern European heritage, many of whom immigrated to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The earliest recorded instances of Press as a last name appear in the Middle Ages. It originates from the old Germanic root “praso” meaning “praise” or “high opinion” and was often used as a noble or distinguished name. It was later adopted by Jewish immigrants as an occupational surname, with the first known record of that happening in 1540. In Germany and Austria, the Press surname is still found most commonly among Jewish people, though there is also a small number of German and Austrian citizens who have adopted it as a surname.
In some areas of the world, the Press surname has evolved to become slightly different. In Italy, it's sometimes changed to Prato, while in other parts of Europe it's sometimes changed to Pres, Presch, Presson, Prescher, and tress.
In the United States, the last name Press continues to be quite prevalent, particularly among Jewish families who have maintained the Press surname since their immigration. It can also be found among families with European ancestry, either from Germany, Austria, Italy, or other parts of Europe.
Variations of the surname Press
The surname Press has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These include Presser, Preser, Preiser, Preisser, Prasser, Pressman, Prez and Presz.
Press is derived from the Middle High German 'pfresze', meaning 'balustrade', or a 'platform surrounded by a railing'. The profession of a balustrade builder was often associated with this surname. Its other derivatives are derived from Middle High German 'presse', meaning 'press' or a 'kneader', which was an archaic form of a milling machine, typically made of wood. This derivation likely indicates a trade in milling operations.
Preser has its origins in the Hebrew, meaning an 'overseer or ruler'. It is also derived from the Middle High German 'presser', meaning 'humble one' or 'servant' which was likely a status name given to those who managed harvest or estate owners.
Preiser is another variant of the surname Press, which is derived from Middle High German 'preise', meaning 'price', 'value' or 'praise'. This variant is likely derived from those who set prices or interacted frequently in markets.
Preisser is a derivative of Preiser, which is derived from Middle High German 'preise', meaning 'price', 'value' or 'praise'.
Prasser is another variant of the surname Press, which is derived from Middle High German 'prasse', meaning 'pulpit' or 'lectern', indicating a person associated with church services.
Pressman is derived from Middle High German 'prece', meaning 'beak', likely indicating a person of significance within a guild or profession. The surname Pressman could also be derived from the Middle High German 'presman', meaning 'sinewy or strong' which could refer to someone who worked as a labourer.
Prez is a variant of Press, likely derived from Middle High German 'prece', meaning 'beak', indicating someone of significance within a profession or guild.
Presz is another variant of Press, derived from Middle High German 'presse', meaning 'press' or a 'kneader'. It could also be derived from Middle High German 'prese', meaning 'plank', which indicated someone responsible for the construction of a ship or boat.
Famous people with the name Press
- Carolyn Press-McKenzie: Canadian politician, founding member of the BC Green Party
- Joe Press: American comedian and former cast member for Saturday Night Live
- Taryn Press: American female composer and record producer
- Jill Press: American female writer and singer
- Amy Press: American artist
- Haley Press: Australian actress
- Jules Press: British artist
- Sasha Press: American female DJ
- Scott Press: American film composer
- Roger Press: German film maker
- Richard Press: American author
- Keith Press: American jazz enthusiast and music producer
- Florence Press: British author
- Zakk Press: British male musician and vocalist
- Emily Press: American food and lifestyle blogger
- Emma Press: British poet
- Michael Press: American child actor
- Peter Press: German painter
- Gene Press: American music producer
- Paul Press: American chef