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Origin and meaning of the name Peyo

What is the origin of the name Peyo?

The name Peyo is of Bulgarian origin. It is a diminutive form of the name Evtim (Evtimiy), which is derived from the Greek name Evtimios, meaning "well-thinking" or "having good thoughts." However, Peyo is most notably recognized as the pen name of Belgian cartoonist Pierre Culliford, who created the popular comic strip series 'The Smurfs.' In Bulgaria, Peyo is also a common given name.

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Learn more about the origin of the name Peyo

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Peyo

The name Peyo is of Bulgarian origin and is a diminutive form of the name Petar, which means "rock" or "stone" in Slavic languages. The name gained popularity outside of Bulgaria due to the Belgian cartoonist Pierre Culliford, who was known by his pen name Peyo, creator of the Smurfs comic series. In the cartoons and comic books, Peyo is depicted as a cheerful, jovial character with a love for painting and music. The name Peyo is also used in other Slavic countries such as Russia, Macedonia, and Serbia, although its popularity varies depending on the region.

Character traits associated with the name Peyo

Peyo is a name often associated with individuals who possess creative and imaginative qualities. They are known for their ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas. Peyo individuals are also characterized by their sense of humor, which they often use to lighten up any situation. These individuals are typically friendly and approachable, making them well-liked by many. They are often adventurous and enjoy exploring new things, whether it's a new hobby or traveling to a faraway land. However, Peyo individuals can also be stubborn at times, sticking to their beliefs and ideas even in the face of opposition. Overall, they are seen as vibrant, creative, and engaging individuals who bring joy and creativity into people's lives.

Popularity of the name Peyo

The given name Peyo is of Bulgarian origin and is primarily popular within Bulgaria, where it has been consistently ranked among the top names for boys. Peyo is derived from the diminutive form of the name Petar (Peter), meaning "rock" or "stone." While not widely recognized outside of Bulgaria, Peyo has gained some notoriety internationally due to its association with the popular comic book character Peyo, who created the Smurfs. However, it's important to note that the name Peyo used by the creator is a pseudonym and not an actual personal name. As such, the global popularity of the name remains relatively low compared to more common names worldwide.

Famous people with the name Peyo

Peyo, born Pierre Culliford in Brussels, Belgium in 1928, is a renowned cartoonist and comic book artist, best known for creating the popular characters The Smurfs and Johan and Peewit (also known as Jeremiah and the White Deer). His career began in 1946 with the creation of the character Spirou (The Little Spirou), which appeared in his first comic book "Spirou et les héritiers" published by Dupuis. Peyo continued to create comics under various pseudonyms, such as Peyo, Peyodabec, and Piet Piensen, producing a vast body of work that has had a lasting impact on the comic book industry. His most famous creation, The Smurfs, made their debut in 1958 in "Johan et les smurfs" (Johan and the Smurfs), and have since become an international phenomenon with various adaptations, including television series, films, and theme parks. Peyo passed away in 1992 but his legacy continues to thrive in the world of comics and pop culture.

Variations of the name Peyo

The name Peyo has several variations, mostly derived from regional or cultural adaptations. Some of these include:

1. Pey - A shortened version of the original name, often used as a nickname.
2. Pierre (French) and Pier (Italian) - These names are phonetically similar to Peyo and share a connection through their root word "Peter."
3. Pedr (Galician), Petar (Czech), Petri (Scandinavian languages), and Peter (many Slavic languages) - These are additional variations of the name derived from the Latin Petrus, which means "rock" or "stone."
4. Peio - A variation used in the Basque language.
5. Pajo - A Croatian version of the name.
6. Paisios (Greek) - A name with a similar sound and originating from the same root word, meaning "of the rock."
7. Bayo - A variant found in some African cultures.
8. Peio or Piò (Italian) - These are alternative spellings of the Italian version of the name.
9. Peyotl (Hungarian) - Another variation of the name, derived from the Hungarian language.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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