Where did the surname Prince come from?
Since starting my new job a couple of people have mentioned my surname and asked about it’s origin. Sometime ago I found the following:
This surname, from the English, and French “Prince”, which in turn derives from the Latin “princeps, primus” – first, and “capere” – to take, presumably denoted someone who behaved in a regal manner, or who had won the title in some contest of skill.
The surname is of nickname origin, and since a nickname describes a particular individual rather than a family, it tends to die, or disappear as the individual also dies or disappears. Nicknames were not necessarily meant to be of a derogatory or hurtful nature, but rather were used as terms of endearment and affection, frequently to distinguish between two individuals with the same first name. Comparative surnames of the time include, King, Bishop, Primate, Prelate, etc.
The Poll Tax lists of the West Riding of Yorkshire reveal that in 1379 both one Willelmus Prynce, and one Isolda Prynce mere resident in that county. In 1418, John Prince is recorded as a priest at St. Michael’s Church, Norwich, according to the History of Norfolk, a most authoritative work. A research of the church records of St. Mary’s, Aldermary shows the Baptism in 1690, of Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Prince.
So now you know…
[tags]Surname[/tags]
Spotted 
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