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Pearl 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.
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Records
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WPWilliam Pearl1875–1875Individual Tree PersonParents: Benley Pearl & Sarah HillsScore: AWPWilliam Pearl1875–1875Individual Tree PersonParents: Benley Pearl & Sarah HillsScore: A
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TPTheodore Kelley Pearl1905–1994Individual Tree PersonParents: Elmer Pearl & Ora (Pearl)Score: ATPTheodore Kelley Pearl1905–1994Individual Tree PersonParents: Elmer Pearl & Ora (Pearl)Score: A
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NPNathan Pearl1727–1767Individual Tree PersonParents: Timothy Pearl & Elizabeth StevensSpouse: Elizabeth UtleyChildren: Timothy, Stephen, James, Nathan, Elizabeth, Anna, AzulahScore: ANPNathan Pearl1727–1767Individual Tree PersonParents: Timothy Pearl & Elizabeth StevensSpouse: Elizabeth UtleyChildren: Timothy, Stephen, James, Nathan, Elizabeth, Anna, AzulahScore: A
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MPMarie Pearl1919–1983Individual Tree PersonParents: Clarence Goslin & Margaret JolinSpouse: Louis Schrade, Kenneth PearlChildren: JamesScore: AMPMarie Pearl1919–1983Individual Tree PersonParents: Clarence Goslin & Margaret JolinSpouse: Louis Schrade, Kenneth PearlChildren: JamesScore: A
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LPLeslie John Pearl1928–2001Individual Tree PersonParents: Frank Pearl & Hilda EtheridgeScore: ALPLeslie John Pearl1928–2001Individual Tree PersonParents: Frank Pearl & Hilda EtheridgeScore: A
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HPHannah Pearl1781–1816Individual Tree PersonParents: David Pearl & EUNICE ALLENSpouse: Capt Jr.Children: Charles, Frances, CarolineScore: AHPHannah Pearl1781–1816Individual Tree PersonParents: David Pearl & EUNICE ALLENSpouse: Capt Jr.Children: Charles, Frances, CarolineScore: A
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HPHilary Eileen Pearl1935–1987Individual Tree PersonParents: Frank Pearl & Hilda EtheridgeScore: AHPHilary Eileen Pearl1935–1987Individual Tree PersonParents: Frank Pearl & Hilda EtheridgeScore: A
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MPMary Ann Pearl1833–1893Individual Tree PersonParents: William Pearl & Elizabeth WarrenScore: AMPMary Ann Pearl1833–1893Individual Tree PersonParents: William Pearl & Elizabeth WarrenScore: A
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WPWalter Douglas Pearl1921–2012Individual Tree PersonParents: George Pearl & Ada RashSpouse: Florence BrothwellScore: AWPWalter Douglas Pearl1921–2012Individual Tree PersonParents: George Pearl & Ada RashSpouse: Florence BrothwellScore: A
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GPGeorge Edward Roy Pearl1914–1995Individual Tree PersonParents: George Pearl & Louisa MenhennittSpouse: Patricia KirbyChildren: CarolynScore: AGPGeorge Edward Roy Pearl1914–1995Individual Tree PersonParents: George Pearl & Louisa MenhennittSpouse: Patricia KirbyChildren: CarolynScore: A
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DPDelman Val Jene Pearl1912–2016Individual Tree PersonParents: Elmer Pearl & Ora (Pearl)Score: ADPDelman Val Jene Pearl1912–2016Individual Tree PersonParents: Elmer Pearl & Ora (Pearl)Score: A
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APAnna Pearl1859–1924Individual Tree PersonParents: Almon Pearl & Miranda SweetScore: AAPAnna Pearl1859–1924Individual Tree PersonParents: Almon Pearl & Miranda SweetScore: A
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JPJessie Laverne Pearl1908–1993Individual Tree PersonParents: Harry Pearl & Dora KinyonSpouse: Mark LocknerScore: AJPJessie Laverne Pearl1908–1993Individual Tree PersonParents: Harry Pearl & Dora KinyonSpouse: Mark LocknerScore: A
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APAlbert Pearl1880–1950Individual Tree PersonParents: James Pearl & Susannah KellySpouse: Alice StandingScore: AAPAlbert Pearl1880–1950Individual Tree PersonParents: James Pearl & Susannah KellySpouse: Alice StandingScore: A
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JPJohn Rush Pearl1851–1931Individual Tree PersonParents: Joseph Pearl & Sarah WisemanSpouse: Mary (Pearl)Children: Elmer, Nellie, LesterScore: AJPJohn Rush Pearl1851–1931Individual Tree PersonParents: Joseph Pearl & Sarah WisemanSpouse: Mary (Pearl)Children: Elmer, Nellie, LesterScore: A
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MPManfred J. Pearl1850–1924Individual Tree PersonParents: Aseph Pearl & Huldah MooreSpouse: Sarah HamiltonChildren: Alexander, Jennie, Glenn, MayScore: AMPManfred J. Pearl1850–1924Individual Tree PersonParents: Aseph Pearl & Huldah MooreSpouse: Sarah HamiltonChildren: Alexander, Jennie, Glenn, MayScore: A
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CPCupit William Pearl1910–2003Individual Tree PersonParents: George Pearl & Ada RashSpouse: Dorothy GedgeScore: ACPCupit William Pearl1910–2003Individual Tree PersonParents: George Pearl & Ada RashSpouse: Dorothy GedgeScore: A
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JPJewel Pearl1928–1996Individual Tree PersonParents: Raymond Pearl & Texas PearlSpouse: Andy StegallScore: AJPJewel Pearl1928–1996Individual Tree PersonParents: Raymond Pearl & Texas PearlSpouse: Andy StegallScore: A
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IPInez M Pearl1860–1915Individual Tree PersonParents: John Pearl & Elizabeth POMEROYSpouse: George JenkinsChildren: Harold, Velma, Clarence, Cora, John, Roscoe, LeeScore: AIPInez M Pearl1860–1915Individual Tree PersonParents: John Pearl & Elizabeth POMEROYSpouse: George JenkinsChildren: Harold, Velma, Clarence, Cora, John, Roscoe, LeeScore: A
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IPIrene A Pearl1927–2010Individual Tree PersonParents: Leon Sr & Lorina PearlSpouse: Randall Atwater, Roy NelsonChildren: RandallScore: AIPIrene A Pearl1927–2010Individual Tree PersonParents: Leon Sr & Lorina PearlSpouse: Randall Atwater, Roy NelsonChildren: RandallScore: A
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Pearl for free
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.
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