Parsons is an English name that became established among the Anglo-Irish gentry, with a famous seat at Birr.
Where does the Parsons name come from?
Parsons is an English surname meaning “son or servant of the parson,” from the parish priest or rector. It could mark someone who worked in a parson’s household or who was connected with the parsonage, and became a settled English name carried to Ireland.
Parsons in Ireland
The name became established among the gentry, most notably the Parsons family who became Earls of Rosse and made their seat at Birr Castle in County Offaly — home of the great telescope built by the third Earl in the nineteenth century. As a settled gentry name, Parsons is found today across Ireland and among the diaspora in the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain.
Did you know?
- Parsons means “son or servant of the parson.”
- The Parsons family became Earls of Rosse.
- Their seat is Birr Castle in County Offaly.
- The third Earl built a famous giant telescope there.
- The name is settled among the Anglo-Irish gentry.
Related Irish family names
You may also like Palmer, Preston, and Barry.
Carry the Parsons name with you
We craft heritage gifts for thousands of Irish and Scottish family names — mugs, woven blankets, ornaments and more. To find yours, type it into the search bar at the top of the page, or browse the Parsons collection here.
Frequently asked questions
Is Parsons an Irish surname?
Parsons is of English origin and became a settled Anglo-Irish gentry name, most famously the Earls of Rosse at Birr.
What does Parsons mean?
It means “son or servant of the parson,” the parish priest.
Is there a Parsons family crest?
Families of the name have heraldic traditions; the crest and tartan artwork on our Parsons products is created as decorative heritage artwork to celebrate the name.
