Save Type Surname (from occupation) Usage English Pronounced Pron. /ˈpɹaɪ.əɹ/(American English) /ˈpɹaɪ.ə/(British English) [key·simplify] Meaning & History Originally belonged to one who was a prior (a religious official), or one who worked for a prior. Categories Blues Hall of Fame inductees, comedians, cornetists, Corps of Discovery members, Jackson Browne lyrics, religion, trombonists