Find out how popular the last name Pirch is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Pirch.

Pirch, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Pirch surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Pirch in America

Pirch is the 121058th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Pirch surname appeared 132 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Pirch.

The history of the last name Pirch

The surname Pirch has its origins in the regions of Eastern Europe, particularly in the areas that now encompass parts of Poland and Germany. The name dates back to the medieval period, roughly around the 12th and 13th centuries, during a time when surnames were becoming adopted for the purposes of identification and the administration of taxation.

Pirch appears to have derived from the Middle High German word "birke", which means "birch tree". This etymological connection suggests that the name could have been an occupational name for someone who worked with birch wood, lived near birch trees, or owned land where birch trees were prominent. Alternatively, it could be toponymic, indicating that a person hailed from a place named after birch trees.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Pirch can be traced back to the late 13th century in the area of Eastern Prussia. Historical manuscripts from this period refer to a Johan von Pirch, who was documented as a minor nobleman, managing estates in the region. This suggests that the family may have held some level of local importance or influence.

Over the centuries, the surname Pirch has appeared in various historical records, including land grants, tax documents, and legal proceedings. During the 16th century, one notable individual bearing the name was Jacob Pirch, born in 1532, who was a merchant in the Hanseatic League. His business dealings brought significant prosperity to his hometown, making his name noteworthy in regional chronicles.

The Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) also brought mention of the surname through the records of military service. Friedrich Pirch (1597-1652), was noted as a military officer who served under the command of various warlords throughout this tumultuous period in European history. His service records and letters were preserved and give insight into the life of soldiers during that era.

In the 18th century, the Enlightenment brought about enhanced documentation and records. One prominent figure was Karl Ludwig von Pirch, born in 1754 and died in 1813. He was an avid supporter of scientific endeavors and an amateur botanist. His correspondence with other scientists of the time, including Carl Linnaeus, reveals his contributions to the study of European flora.

As the 19th century approached, the Napoleonic Wars saw another significant figure with the surname Pirch. Joachim Pirch, a Prussian military commander born in 1777 and died in 1843, served with distinction. His strategic prowess in several key battles earned him recognition and military honors. His legacy continued to influence military practices in Prussia long after his death.

The surname has seen various spellings throughout its history, including Birk, Birck, and Pircke, reflecting the linguistic shifts and regional dialects of the areas where it was used. Place names connected with the surname include Birkenhof, a small village historically known for its birch forests, which further reinforces the etymological link.

In sum, the surname Pirch has a rich history interwoven with the cultural and socio-political tapestry of Eastern Europe. Each documented instance provides a glimpse into the lives and achievements of those who carried the name, from minor nobility and merchants to military leaders and scientists.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Pirch

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Pirch.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Pirch was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Pirch was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Pirch, please contact us.

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