Surname Pleasance - Meaning and Origin

Pleasance: What does the surname Pleasance mean?

The origin of the surname Pleasance is thought to be Anglo-Saxon. The surname is derived from the Medieval English word "plassance", which means "pleasure". This is quite appropriate, as Pleasance is often associated with a pleasant and cheerful demeanor.

The Pleasance surname can be found in various spellings around the world, such as Pleasance, Plasance, Plesance, and Plesantz. The male version of the name is usually Pleasence, while the female version is usually Pleace.

The Pleasance surname has a long, multi-cultural history. It can be traced back to England and Scotland, where it would have been common amongst the Normans, and later among the Anglo-Saxons. It also has roots in France, where it may have been derived from the Latin phrase for "delight" (placentia).

Today, the surname Pleasance is most commonly found in the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is typically associated with individuals of Anglo-Saxon, French, or British descent. Surnames that sound similar, such as "Plessens" or "Plaisance", are also thought to have been derived from the Pleasance surname.

Overall, the Pleasance surname is often associated with a person of good-humor, peacefulness, and cheerfulness. It is a reminder that pleasure and delight can be found in life, even amidst difficulty or hardship.

Pleasance: Where does the name Pleasance come from?

The last name Pleasance is most commonly found in the United Kingdom. Although the origin of the name is not clear, most experts agree that it is a Norman surname derived from the old French word "plaisance" which translates to pleasant.

Today, the surname Pleasance can be found in many areas of the UK, including England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. According to records, the Pleasance surname is most common in London, as well as the southern counties of England and Wales.

As the Pleasance family has moved to different countries around the world, it has also spread to countries in North America, including Canada, the United States, and even as far as Australia.

However, the surname is still most prominent in the UK, and the Pleasance Family have made a number of significant contributions to society over the centuries, including in the fields of arts, politics, philosophy, and science.

The commonality of the Pleasance surname today continues to be greatest in the United Kingdom. This is likely because the surname has been present in the area for centuries, thus allowing for the Pleasance family's legacy and contribution to endure.

Variations of the surname Pleasance

Pleasance is an English surname originating in Yorkshire in the north of England. Variants and spelling for this surname include Pleasants, Pleasaants, Plesants, Plaice, and Plaizance.

The Pleasance surname appears to come from a toponym meaning "dweller near the pleasance on the verge of a wood or open land" derived from the Middle English word "pleyce," in reference to a hunting ground or pleasure park. This surname is believed to have first been used in Yorkshire, England, where there were several lands and estates named Pleasance (e.g. Pleasance manor near Dewsbury).

The frequency of the Pleasance surname has been recorded in census records across England, and is still in use today. In addition, the surname is found in records dating back to the 14th century, an indication of its ancient origins.

Variants of the Pleasance surname are mainly found in the United States, with Pleasants and Pleasaants being the most common. Some families of Pleasants and Pleasaants trace their ancestry to Thomas Pleasants who settled in Virginia in 1698.

Additional variants of the Pleasance surname include Plaice, which is found in Norfolk, England. The Plaizance variant of the surname appears to have originated in derivatives of the Plaisance or Playzance families that were first found in Scotland in the 12th century, and later in Scotland, France, and the US.

No matter how it is spelled, the Pleasance surname is one steeped in history and still in use today. It is a testament to the ancestral roots of those who bear the name, and speaks of a past filled with culture and tradition.

Famous people with the name Pleasance

• Donald Pleasence: British actor known for his roles in Halloween (1978), Escape from New York (1981), and The Great Escape (1963).
• Edward Pleasance: British actor known for his role in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005).
• Billie Pleasance: English actress known for her roles in High-Rise (2015) and Harlots (2017).
• Frank Finlay: English actor known for his roles in Othello (1965) and I, Claudius (1976).
• Bruce Pleasance: American actor known for his role in the 2006 film Shooter.
• Richard E. Grant: British actor known for his roles in Withnail and I (1987), Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992), and Spice World (1997).
• Martin Shaw: British actor known for his roles in The Professionals (1977) and Judge John Deed (2001).
• Fiona Pleasance: British actress known for her roles in Emma (1996) and Psychobitches (2013).
• Daniel Pleasence: British actor known for his roles in Black Mirror (2011) and Doctor Who (2005).
• Charlie Creed-Miles: English actor known for his roles in Layer Cake (2004) and The Bletchley Circle (2012).

Other surnames

PleasantPleasants