Sign up to explore more
Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.
Sign up free
Sign up to explore more
Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.
Sign up freePearl Family Genealogy & History
Discover the Global Legacy of the Pearl Surname
The Pearl surname traces its origins to England, where it first appeared in historical records during the early 16th century. This period marks the emergence of families carrying the name, setting the foundation for future generations. The name Pearl, while not tied to a specific occupation or location, suggests a cultural resonance that may have been influenced by the broader historical and societal changes in England at the time.
Throughout the centuries, the Pearl surname has evolved and spread, particularly gaining prominence in England and later in the United States. Notable individuals such as Barry Pearl, an American actor, and Daniel Pearl, a journalist, highlight the surname's reach and influence. The migration of the Pearl family across the Atlantic in the 18th century signifies a crucial expansion, aligning with broader patterns of settlement and development in the New World.
YourRoots data provides valuable insights into the Pearl genealogy, affirming its early presence in England and subsequent spread to the United States by the 18th century. This dataset complements historical records by illustrating the growth of the Pearl family tree, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries when the surname's presence became more pronounced. The YourRoots database also highlights the continued global expansion of the Pearl surname into the 19th and 20th centuries, reflecting the adaptability and resilience of the family across diverse environments.
For genealogy enthusiasts and researchers, the YourRoots dataset offers a rich resource for exploring the Pearl family tree. By connecting historical records with contemporary data, it provides a comprehensive view of the Pearl surname's journey through the centuries, offering a window into the family's enduring legacy and heritage.
Find the Pearl Family Tree
Search more Pearl trees & genealogy records
Records
-
JPJane Pearl1698–1757Public Tree PersonParents: Elizabeth Holmes3 treesScore: BJPJane Pearl1698–1757Public Tree PersonParents: Elizabeth Holmes3 treesScore: B
-
APAlbert Pearl1880–1950Individual Tree PersonParents: James Pearl & Susannah KellySpouse: Alice StandingScore: AAPAlbert Pearl1880–1950Individual Tree PersonParents: James Pearl & Susannah KellySpouse: Alice StandingScore: A
-
APAlexander Hamilton Pearl1888–1973Individual Tree PersonParents: Manfred Pearl & Sarah HamiltonSpouse: Mildred KiehlChildren: MaryScore: AAPAlexander Hamilton Pearl1888–1973Individual Tree PersonParents: Manfred Pearl & Sarah HamiltonSpouse: Mildred KiehlChildren: MaryScore: A
-
APAnna Pearl1929–2005Individual Tree PersonParents: Willard Smith & Flora SmithSpouse: William SrChildren: WilliamScore: AAPAnna Pearl1929–2005Individual Tree PersonParents: Willard Smith & Flora SmithSpouse: William SrChildren: WilliamScore: A
-
APAlbert R Pearl1913–2004Individual Tree PersonParents: James Pearl & Florence ElliottSpouse: Florence HimebauchScore: AAPAlbert R Pearl1913–2004Individual Tree PersonParents: James Pearl & Florence ElliottSpouse: Florence HimebauchScore: A
-
APAnn Pearl1768–1821Individual Tree PersonParents: James Pearl & Mary DunnettSpouse: John WrightChildren: John, Ann, William, Sarah, George, James, James, Robert, Hannah, MaryScore: AAPAnn Pearl1768–1821Individual Tree PersonParents: James Pearl & Mary DunnettSpouse: John WrightChildren: John, Ann, William, Sarah, George, James, James, Robert, Hannah, MaryScore: A
-
APAmanda Malvina Pearl1842–1922Individual Tree PersonParents: William Pearl & Elizabeth WarrenSpouse: Francis AllenChildren: Charles, Robert, Elizabeth, Francis, John, CharlieScore: AAPAmanda Malvina Pearl1842–1922Individual Tree PersonParents: William Pearl & Elizabeth WarrenSpouse: Francis AllenChildren: Charles, Robert, Elizabeth, Francis, John, CharlieScore: A
-
APAbraham Avrom Max Pearl1926–2010Individual Tree PersonParents: Alexander Pearl & Rebecca EpsteinScore: AAPAbraham Avrom Max Pearl1926–2010Individual Tree PersonParents: Alexander Pearl & Rebecca EpsteinScore: A
-
APAlice Pearl1683–1741Individual Tree PersonParents: John Pearl & Elizabeth HolmesScore: BAPAlice Pearl1683–1741Individual Tree PersonParents: John Pearl & Elizabeth HolmesScore: B
-
APAnn Pearl1744–1780Individual Tree PersonParents: William Pearl & Martha HudsonScore: BAPAnn Pearl1744–1780Individual Tree PersonParents: William Pearl & Martha HudsonScore: B
-
APAlfa Leland Pearl1888–1982Individual Tree PersonParents: Simeon Pearl & Mary JamesScore: BAPAlfa Leland Pearl1888–1982Individual Tree PersonParents: Simeon Pearl & Mary JamesScore: B
-
APAlice Pearl1683–1741Individual Tree PersonParents: John Pearl & Elizabeth HolmesScore: BAPAlice Pearl1683–1741Individual Tree PersonParents: John Pearl & Elizabeth HolmesScore: B
-
APAnn Pearl1681–1752Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Pearl & Abigail 9GGMSpouse: William CrosseChildren: William, Anne, PearleScore: BAPAnn Pearl1681–1752Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Pearl & Abigail 9GGMSpouse: William CrosseChildren: William, Anne, PearleScore: B
-
APAbraham Abram Pearl1774–1814Individual Tree PersonParents: Sarah Bickford & Diamond PearlSpouse: Mary JonesChildren: Jethro, AzariahScore: BAPAbraham Abram Pearl1774–1814Individual Tree PersonParents: Sarah Bickford & Diamond PearlSpouse: Mary JonesChildren: Jethro, AzariahScore: B
-
APAlice Pearl1747–1747Individual Tree PersonParents: Timothy Jr. & Dinah HoltScore: BAPAlice Pearl1747–1747Individual Tree PersonParents: Timothy Jr. & Dinah HoltScore: B
-
APAbraham Pearl1726–1790Individual Tree PersonParents: Mary Berry & John captain)Score: BAPAbraham Pearl1726–1790Individual Tree PersonParents: Mary Berry & John captain)Score: B
-
APAnna Pearl1758–1830Individual Tree PersonParents: Nathan Pearl & Elizabeth UtleyScore: BAPAnna Pearl1758–1830Individual Tree PersonParents: Nathan Pearl & Elizabeth UtleyScore: B
-
APAlice Pearl1683–1741Individual Tree PersonParents: John Sr & Elizabeth HolmesScore: BAPAlice Pearl1683–1741Individual Tree PersonParents: John Sr & Elizabeth HolmesScore: B
-
APAnna Pearl1796–1861Individual Tree PersonParents: Joseph Jr. & Catharine ClarkScore: BAPAnna Pearl1796–1861Individual Tree PersonParents: Joseph Jr. & Catharine ClarkScore: B
-
APAlexander Hamilton Pearl1889–1973Individual Tree PersonParents: Manfred Pearl & Sarah HamiltonSpouse: Mildred KealScore: CAPAlexander Hamilton Pearl1889–1973Individual Tree PersonParents: Manfred Pearl & Sarah HamiltonSpouse: Mildred KealScore: C
-
*P* Haley Ellen Pearl1885–1962Individual Tree PersonParents: * Ludy & * HenriettaSpouse: * (Tom)Children: Tommie, Ruby, Omer, Joseph, John, Jackson, Frances, *Score: C*P* Haley Ellen Pearl1885–1962Individual Tree PersonParents: * Ludy & * HenriettaSpouse: * (Tom)Children: Tommie, Ruby, Omer, Joseph, John, Jackson, Frances, *Score: C
Search more trees & records for
Pearl for free
SIGNUP
Tracing Your Pearl Family Lineage
Origin of the Pearl Family: Where does the Pearl surname come from?
The Pearl surname first appeared in historical records in England during the early 16th century, marking the beginning of its genealogy. This period signifies the early roots of families who would carry the name forward, laying the groundwork for future generations. The connection to England also hints at the cultural and historical influences that shaped the family's identity in its formative years.
Genealogy and Early Family History of Pearl
Throughout the early centuries, the Pearl family began to spread primarily within England, fostering branches of their family trees in various regions. The notable concentration of records during the 16th and 17th centuries reflects a growing presence of the surname, which likely coincided with social and economic changes of the time. As families expanded, they forged connections and established their lineages, contributing to the rich tapestry of the Pearl ancestry.
By the 18th century, the Pearl surname began to gain traction in the United States, indicating a significant shift in the family’s geographical footprint. The migration of families across the Atlantic Ocean not only expanded their networks but also introduced new opportunities and challenges that would shape future generations. This transition played a crucial role in diversifying the family tree and enriching the Pearl legacy.
Tracing the Pearl Family Tree Through the Centuries
As the Pearl surname continued to evolve, its presence expanded beyond England and the United States, showcasing a global reach in subsequent centuries. In the 19th century, the surname experienced a notable increase in frequency within the United States, while also establishing ties in other regions, reflecting the patterns of migration and settlement. This expansion during the 19th and early 20th centuries highlights the adaptability of the Pearl family in navigating their changing environments.
The 20th century saw a continued presence of the Pearl surname in the United States, with families maintaining their historical roots while integrating into modern society. By the 21st century, the surname's frequency had diminished, reflecting broader demographic trends, yet the lineage remains rich with history and connection. Readers interested in uncovering their own ties to the Pearl family are encouraged to explore genealogy records in the YourRoots database to connect with their ancestral past.
Famous People with Pearl (and Their Family Tree)
Bruce Pearl
Bruce Alan Pearl, born March 18, 1960, is a prominent American college basketball coach and the current head coach of the Auburn Tigers men's basketball team. Pearl is renowned for leading Southern Indiana to a Division II national championship in 1995 and for his successful stints at Tennessee and Milwaukee. As the second-fastest NCAA coach to achieve 300 victories, Pearl has garnered numerous accolades, including the Adolph Rupp Cup in 2008. His teams have made two Final Four appearances and collected multiple conference titles. Pearl's influence extends beyond the court, having coached the Maccabi USA men's basketball team to gold at the 2009 Maccabiah Games.
Daniel Pearl
Daniel Pearl was a renowned American journalist, best known for his work with The Wall Street Journal. His career highlights include investigative reporting in international affairs, such as uncovering unsubstantiated genocide charges in Kosovo and revealing the true nature of a supposed military facility in Khartoum. Pearl’s journalism journey took him to various global locations, including the Soviet Union, China, and Europe, before taking on key roles in the Atlanta, Washington, London, and Paris bureaus. Tragically, Pearl's life was cut short when he was kidnapped and murdered by Islamist militants in Pakistan in 2002 while reporting on the War on Terror.
Daniel Pearl was born in Princeton, New Jersey, to Judea and Ruth Pearl. His father, Judea, is an Israeli-American of Polish Jewish descent and a celebrated computer scientist, while his mother, Ruth, was an Iraqi Jew whose family survived the Farhud with the help of Muslim neighbors. The Pearl family eventually moved to Encino, Los Angeles, where Judea Pearl held a professorship at UCLA. The family's deep connections to Israel and their diverse Jewish heritage are well-documented in Judea Pearl's writings.
Minnie Pearl
Minnie Pearl, born Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon, was a celebrated American comedian and country singer known for her performances at the Grand Ole Opry for over 50 years and on the TV show Hee Haw. Her character, "Cousin Minnie Pearl," became iconic with her trademark $1.98 hat and Southern charm. Pearl's comedy was a gentle satire of rural Southern culture, and her signature "Howdy!" became a beloved call-and-response with audiences. Her humor often included stories about comical relatives, and she was a regular on shows like Match Game and Hollywood Squares, enhancing her visibility in the entertainment industry.
Minnie Pearl was born in Centerville, Tennessee, as the youngest of five daughters to a prosperous sawmill owner and timber dealer. Her family background in Centerville greatly influenced her comedic material, often drawing from the local culture and personalities.
Judea Pearl
Judea Pearl, an acclaimed Israeli-American computer scientist and philosopher, is renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to artificial intelligence, notably in probabilistic reasoning and Bayesian networks. Winner of the prestigious 2011 Turing Award, Pearl's work on causal inference has revolutionized fields such as statistics, psychology, and medicine. As a professor at UCLA and director of the Cognitive Systems Laboratory, he remains a key figure in AI. Pearl's influential books, like "Causality: Models, Reasoning and Inference" and "The Book of Why," further cement his legacy in the scientific community.
Born in Tel Aviv in 1936 to Polish Jewish immigrants Eliezer and Tova Pearl, Judea Pearl descends from the notable Menachem Mendel of Kotzk lineage. His grandfather, Chaim Pearl, was instrumental in founding Bnei Brak, where Judea spent his early years before pursuing engineering studies. Pearl's familial roots are deeply connected to Jewish heritage and tradition.
Barry Pearl
Barry Lee Pearl, born March 29, 1950, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is a renowned American character actor best known for his role as "Doody" in the 1978 film Grease. He also appeared as Mr. Weaver in the 2016 Grease: Live. Pearl's career spans various platforms, including his iconic portrayal of "Professor Tinkerputt" in Barney's Imagination Island. He has a rich Broadway history with roles in productions like Bye Bye Birdie and The Producers, and he starred in the national tour of Happy Days - A New Musical. Additionally, Pearl is committed to teaching film arts to the special needs community with Joey Travolta's Inclusion Film Company.
Barry Pearl was born into an Orthodox Jewish family in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. While his upbringing was Orthodox Jewish, his family celebrated both Hanukkah and Christmas due to his aunts' marriages to Christians, reflecting a blend of cultural traditions.
Pearl Surname Meaning, Origin, and History
The surname "Pearl" is associated with several notable individuals across various fields, including acting, sports, journalism, and science. The name shares a connection with the Hebrew term "Margolis," which means pearl, indicating a possible linguistic origin or cultural link.
VIEW MOREWhere to Find Genealogy Records for Pearl
We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Pearl family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Pearl surname to learn more.
VIEW MOREAbout YourRoots
Explore your family tree geographically
Import your GEDCOM file to transform your family tree into an interactive global map. See your roots laid out visually and understand your true geographic heritage.
Powerful tools like "Trace Back To Me" instantly map your family's migration paths from a chosen ancestor all the way back to you.
Discover ancestors beyond "end-of-line" automatically
Import your family tree and let AI expand it for you. AI Ancestor Finder scans "end-of-line" ancestors to uncover their parents across hundreds of family lines at once. AI Deep Research analyzes selected ancestors and family clusters, suggesting relevant records and next steps.
Turn on Auto Research Mode to get new discoveries daily or weekly, so your tree keeps growing even while you're away.
Find more DNA matches across all DNA tests
Combine your DNA data with your family tree to unlock the full power of YourRoots DNA Match. Connect with relatives across major testing services — Ancestry, 23andMe, MyHeritage, and more.
View your matches' maps and trees to identify shared ancestors, and soon you'll be able to add them directly to your own tree and map.
Ancestry DNA analysis that goes deeper than others
Unlock exclusive reports that reveal your deeper origins.
- Deep Ancestry Report — Analyze 130+ ethnicities, sub-regions, and 1,800+ communities in one detailed view.
- Global & Native American Reports — Developed with Stanford researchers to uncover hidden ancestries across all 22 chromosomes.
- Ancient DNA Series — Compare your DNA with 1,000+ ancient genomes from Viking, Celtic, and early American civilizations.
Sign up to explore more
Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.
Sign up freeAlready have an account? Log in
Coming Soon
We're actively working on many new features for YourRoots. Features marked v2 are ones we're planning to launch soon.
Have a particular feature request? Let us know below!