Pherigo

Etymology and Origin

Pherigo is an Anglicized form of the French surname Périgord, which traces its roots to the region of Périgord in southern France. This area, historically part of the Duchy of Aquitaine, is named from the Gaulish tribe of the Petrocorii; the meaning of the tribal name is not fully established but may derive from a Celtic word for 'four tribes' or 'tribes of the rocks'. The region gave rise to the early lords of Périgord, who held significant power in medieval times. As people from Périgord migrated or anglicized their names—particularly during periods of Huguenot exodus after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes—Périgord was respelled to variants like Pherigo, Perrigo, and Perigo.

Notable Bearers

While notable bearers of the exact Pherigo spelling are not widely recorded in historical texts, families bearing related Anglicized forms (such as Perrigo), have been traced to early settlements in colonial America, particularly among French Huguenot immigrants who settled in Virginia and New England. The surname is uncommon and appears concentrated in the United Kingdom and the United States, per its prevalence census data.

Distribution and Variants

According to genealogical resources, the surname Pherigo is extremely rare globally, with the highest incidence found in the United States. Variants of the surname include Perrigo, Perigo, and Pherigo itself. Related names listed by etymology include Périgord, the ultimate source. It often presents as a ‘perigordian’ family history anchored in the Dordogne region.

Key Facts

• Meaning: Anglicized form of Périgord (from the French region)
• Origin: French (toponymic)
• Type: Surname
• Usage: Primarily found in English-speaking countries, notably the United States and the United Kingdom