Surname Phariss - Meaning and Origin

Phariss: What does the surname Phariss mean?

The last name Phariss is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word “Paraisses” which means 'parish'. A parish is an administrative division within a county or larger region, usually defined as a geographic area where members of a religion regularly gather for services.

The surname Phariss is closely associated with the Catholic faith, as it appears in many French Catholic parish records. The name has a long history in France, where it likely originated. In the 16th and 17th centuries, there were numerous Phariss families living in the regions around Paris, Rouen, and Avignon.

The modern spelling of Phariss is most likely a derivative of Pharisee, which is derived from the Hebrew “parush” which means “separated” or “set apart.” The Pharisees were a Jewish sect in the time of Jesus who emphasized the strict observance of the Law of Moses.

Today, the surname Phariss is most common in France, but can also be found in other European countries and in the United States. In France, the surname is primarily concentrated in the region of Aquitaine. In America, it is most commonly found in the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana.

Those with the last name Phariss are typically known for their strong sense of faith, their philanthropic tendencies, and their determination to follow a chosen path. Those who carry the surname are often encouraged to retain their sense of independence, while also embracing their collective duty to promote the Catholic tradition.

Phariss: Where does the name Phariss come from?

The last name Phariss is a relatively modern surname which is most common in the United States. The surname is most heavily concentrated in the Midwest region of the United States, particularly in Illinois, Indiana, Arkansas, and Texas. According to Ancestry.com, the 2020 population of the United States bearing the last name Phariss is 7,731.

The surname Phariss is of English origin, derived from a contraction of the Old French phrase ‘ferai ceus,’ meaning ‘I shall do this.’ The surname may have been created as a professional name for a person who was a freelance worker, or a personal name given to a person who performed a task with particular willingness or enthusiasm.

The earliest recorded instance of the surname Phariss in the United States was John Pharisa, an 1820 landowner in Sullivan County, Tennessee. Henry Phariss was the first known person to bear the name of Phariss as a surname in Tennessee, arriving from Scotland around 1801.

Today, the vast majority of people bearing the last name Phariss resides in the United States, though a small number of people may be found in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Parts of the United States where the surname is concentrated include Illinois, Indiana, Arkansas, Texas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee.

Variations of the surname Phariss

The surname Phariss has several variants, including Farriss, Pariss, Faris, Feriss, Faris, Ferris, and Pharis, as well as other variants that have become more uncommon. In some cases, the surname originated as a patronymic, that is, a name derived from the father’s first name, in which case Farriss, Pariss, and Pariss are all variants of the same surname. In other cases, the surname may have been derived from the Old French ferir, meaning strongman, or from an Old English personal name spelled Fari.

The surname also has several spellings in other languages, such as the Italian Farissi, the Polish Pharisejo, and the Dutch variant Farisse. Additionally, the surname can also be found in Irish and Scottish records as Parrish or Parriss.

In some cases, the surname has been altered by spelling or pronunciation over the years, leading to the formation of other surnames with the same origin. These include the Scottish surname Ferguson, the American Fuqua, and the Spanish Peralta.

Overall, it is likely that the surname Phariss does not have a clear-cut origin, as there are many variations and spellings of the name over the centuries. Its history may have originated from early French, Old English, Irish, or Scottish names and locations, as well as other localized forms.

Famous people with the name Phariss

• Jesus "Chuy" Phariss is an American comedian, actor, and writer.
• Annalise Phariss is a songwriter from Vancouver, Canada.
• Kate Phariss is an American model and actress.
• Dean Phariss was a Texas politician and former state representative.
• William H. Phariss was a prominent rancher and entrepreneur in West Texas.
• Abigail Phariss is an American actress and model.
• Robert Phariss is a professional surfer from San Diego, California.
• Chaz Phariss is an American musician and songwriter.
• Hunter Phariss is an American professional golfer.
• Kelly Phariss is an American singer and songwriter.
• Michael Phariss is an American rapper from Los Angeles, California.
• Trenton Phariss is an American photographer and filmmaker.
• Bryan Phariss is an American financial analyst and investor.
• Cassandra Phariss is an American fine artist and activist.
• Sarah Phariss is a United States Army veteran and public speaker.
• Kyle Phariss is an award-winning cinematographer.
• Roy Phariss is a fictional character from the BattleTech universe.

Other surnames

PhariaPhariasPharis