Penrose Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Penrose come from? What does the surname Penrose mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Penrose and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Penrose Origin: What does the last name Penrose mean?
The surname Penrose is of Cornish origin, derived from various places called Penrose in England and Wales. These locations are found in ten parishes in Cornwall, as well as in several places in Wales and Herefordshire. The name has historical roots dating back to the early 15th century in England and has remained closely associated with England through the 18th century. Over time, the Penrose surname has spread globally, with records indicating its presence in countries like Ireland, the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Penrose surname in England since the 15th century, with a notable increase in records by the 20th century. The surname has maintained prominence in regions like England and Ireland, while also appearing in various countries worldwide. The Penrose surname's history reflects a rich heritage tied to specific locations in England and Wales, with a global presence that has endured through the centuries.
Penrose Last Name History: Where did the last name Penrose come from?
Origin of Penrose Surname: Where does the last name Penrose originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Penrose first appeared in records from England around the early 15th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Penrose spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Penrose: What does the Penrose surname history look like in the early days?
The Penrose surname remained closely associated with England from the 15th to the 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Penrose family records in countries like Ireland, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Penrose surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Penrose surname grew significantly in England and Ireland. The Penrose surname remains prominent in these regions. It appears in many countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Explore Penrose last name heritage and Penrose surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Penrose Surame?
Roger Penrose
Sir Roger Penrose (born 8 Aug 1931) is an English mathematician, physicist, and philosopher known for his work on general relativity and cosmology. He received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2020 for his contributions to black hole formation predictions. Penrose is also famous for popularizing the Penrose triangle, an impossible object, in collaboration with his father. His books on physics and consciousness have won awards and he has made significant contributions to the field of mathematics. Penrose's work has inspired artists like M.C. Escher and his impact on the scientific community is widely recognized.
Roland Penrose
Sir Roland Algernon Penrose (Oct 14, 1900 – Apr 23, 1984) was an English artist, historian, and poet known for his promotion of modern art and association with surrealists in the UK. He was a key figure in the London International Surrealist Exhibition and established the English surrealist movement. Penrose was also a teacher of camouflage during World War II, using his artistic skills for practical purposes. His relationships with poet Valentine Boué and photographer Lee Miller added to his colorful life. Penrose's contributions to art and wartime efforts continue to be remembered in the creative and historical spheres.
Tricia Penrose
Patricia Penrose (April 9, 1970 - present) is an English actress, singer, and broadcaster best known for her iconic role as Gina Ward in ITV's long-running drama series Heartbeat. She has also appeared in popular shows like The Royal, Coronation Street, and Emmerdale. Additionally, Penrose has released music singles and showcased her singing talent on various platforms. Beyond her entertainment career, she is actively involved in charity work, particularly as an Ambassador for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. With a diverse portfolio spanning acting, singing, and philanthropy, Penrose continues to captivate audiences with her talent and charisma.
Lionel Penrose
Lionel Sharples Penrose (11 Jun 1898 – 12 May 1972) was an English psychiatrist, medical geneticist, and chess theorist known for his pioneering work on the genetics of intellectual disability. He conducted research on schizophrenia, phenylketonuria, and the genetics of mental deficiency. Penrose was the Galton professor of eugenics at University College London before becoming a professor of human genetics. He received numerous awards, including the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research in 1960. Penrose was also a Quaker and a key figure in the Medical Association for the Prevention of War, advocating for peace and human rights.
Jonathan Penrose
Jonathan Penrose (7 Oct 1933 – 30 Nov 2021) was an English chess player known for winning the British Chess Championship ten times and earning the titles Grandmaster and International Correspondence Chess Grandmaster. He was part of a chess-playing family and made history by defeating World Champion Mikhail Tal in 1960. Despite his amateur status, Penrose achieved great success in international competitions like the Chess Olympiads. Later in his career, he excelled in correspondence chess, leading his country to victory in the Correspondence Olympiad. Beyond chess, Penrose was a psychologist and university lecturer, receiving an OBE for his contributions before passing away at the age of 88.
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