Parsons

Parsons is a surname of English origin derived from the occupational term parson, meaning parish priest. As a family name, it has spread to many English-speaking countries and is associated with a diverse range of individuals in public life. In addition to its use as a surname, Parsons also appears as a place name and in the names of institutions and organizations.

Parsons, Kansas, is a city in Labette County in the United States. It is one of several places in the U.S. bearing the name, reflecting the widespread use of the term in geographic designations.

Parsons School of Design, commonly known simply as Parsons, is a private art and design college in New York City and a unit of The New School. Founded in the late 19th century, it was named for Frank Alvah Parsons, a key educator who shaped design education in the United States. The school offers programs across fashion, graphic design, interior design, product design, and related fields.

Parsons Corporation, commonly referred to as Parsons, is an American engineering and construction firm. It provides professional services in defense, intelligence, infrastructure, and energy sectors, including program management, engineering, and construction services. The company has a long history of involvement in large-scale government and public works projects and has undergone organizational changes in recent decades.

Notable individuals with the surname include Sir Charles Parsons, a British inventor known for the development of the steam turbine, and Frank Alvah Parsons, an educator influential in the field of design education. The name continues to appear across various fields, from science and engineering to the arts and geography.