Perkins

Perkins is a surname, a given name, and a place name used in the English-speaking world. It appears in the names of towns, counties, institutions, and companies, and is borne by many people.

The surname Perkins is of English origin, derived from Perkin, a pet form of Peter. The suffix -s expresses a patronymic, meaning “son of Perkin.” The name spread to North America and other regions through colonial and migratory movements.

Notable uses include Perkins School for the Blind, located in Watertown, Massachusetts, which is one of the oldest schools for the blind in the United States. It was established in 1829 as the New England Institution for the Education of the Blind and later renamed in honor of donors from the Perkins family. Perkins Engines Company Limited is a British manufacturer of diesel engines, now a subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., and its engines are widely used in construction, agriculture, and power generation.

Geography: There are places named Perkins in the United States, including towns and counties, reflecting the surname’s prevalence in American toponymy. The name also appears in business, philanthropic, and organizational names around the world.