A surname, historically meaning someone who carried a spear or was associated with spears.
From Old English and Old French, derived from 'perce' or related to 'pierce' and 'spear.' Originally a patronymic or occupational surname indicating someone skilled with a spear.
Many English surnames come from occupations or weapons—like Fletcher (arrow maker) and Smith (blacksmith)—and Pearce comes from people who wielded spears, one of humanity's most ancient weapons.
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