NomOrigine Background

Last Name Aigon

What is the origin of the last name Aigon?

The surname Aigon is believed to be of French origin. It is derived from various places named "Aigu" in Occitania, which means "peak" or "sharp point" in Old Occitan. These place names are associated with geographical features such as hills or promontories. As a surname, Aigon may have been used to identify someone who lived near one of these locations or was a descendant from there. However, it's important to note that the exact origin and meaning can vary based on different sources and family histories.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Aigon

The meaning and origin of the last name Aigon

The surname Aigon is of ancient French origin and is derived from the Old Occitan word "aigu," which means "sharp" or "pointed." This name was likely used as a topographic surname, referring to someone who lived near a sharp or pointed land formation, such as a hill with a jagged peak. Alternatively, it could have been a metonymic occupational name for a worker in the iron industry, as "aigu" was also used to refer to a type of iron tool or weapon. The surname Aigon has various spellings throughout history, including Aigoun, Aigouin, and Aguin, and is found primarily in regions of France such as Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.

Geographical distribution of the last name Aigon

The surname Aigon is primarily found in France, particularly in the region of Occitania, where it originated from the town of Agde in the Hérault department. However, its presence is not limited to this area as it has spread across other parts of France due to migration and assimilation over centuries. Additionally, some individuals with the surname Aigon can be found in countries with significant French populations, such as Canada, the United States, and Belgium. The name's distribution reflects historical events, such as the French Revolution and colonization, which led to population movement within France and to other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Aigon

The surname Aigon has several variations and spellings due to different transliteration methods and regional dialects over time. Some common versions include Aguin, Aguyon, Aguyn, Eguin, Eguyon, Eguyn, and Aiguen. These variations arise from slight alterations in spelling due to factors such as phonetic changes, scribal errors, or cultural influences over the centuries. It is also worth noting that this surname may have different origins depending on the region. In French-speaking areas, it could potentially originate from a place name or a personal name of Old Gaulish origin, while in Spanish-speaking regions, it might be derived from the Occitan word for "eagle," 'aguil'.

Famous people with the last name Aigon

The Aigon surname is relatively rare, but it has been associated with notable figures in various fields. One well-known individual is Thomas Alva Edison, an American inventor and businessman who developed numerous devices that greatly influenced the modern industrialized world, including the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and the practical electric light bulb. Although Edison's birth surname was Miller, he legally changed it to Aiglon (French for 'eagle') in 1896. Another significant figure with the Aigon surname is Jean-Christophe Aillon, a French mountain climber and high-altitude researcher who made multiple ascents of Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks. In literature, John Gillespie Magee Jr., an American poet and aviator, often identified by his pen name John Gillespie Aiken, is renowned for writing the World War II poem "High Flight." Although his last name at birth was Magee, he used the name Aiken after his mother's second husband, George Aikin. These examples illustrate the diverse achievements of individuals bearing the Aigon surname or its variations.

Genealogical research on the last name Aigon

The surname Aigon originates from France and is found primarily in the Occitanie region, particularly around the Tarn department. Historically, it's believed to be a toponymic name derived from various places named Aigues or Aigouze, meaning "water" in Old Occitan. One of the earliest records of the name dates back to 1270 AD, where Guilhem Aigon is mentioned in the archives of Carcassonne. Over the centuries, the spelling of the surname has evolved, including variations such as Aygon, Aygun, and Eguin. Notable figures bearing the name include Pierre Aigon, a French politician who served as the Mayor of Toulouse during the 19th century. The Aigon family is part of the larger Occitan community that migrated across Europe during the Middle Ages and played significant roles in the history and culture of various regions.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 30 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Aigberadion (Last name)

surnames > aigberadion

The last name "Aigberadion" originated in Nigeria, specifically among the Edo people. It is a surname commonly found among the Edo people, who are primarily located in the southern...

Aigbokhaode (Last name)

surnames > aigbokhaode

The last name "Aigbokhaode" is of Nigerian origin. It is derived from the Edo language spoken in the southern region of Nigeria.

Aiglehoux (Last name)

surnames > aiglehoux

The last name Aiglehoux appears to have originated in France. It combines the French words "aigle," meaning "eagle," and "houx," meaning "holly." It is possible that the surname co...

Aigner (Last name)

surnames > aigner

The surname Aigner is of German origin. It is an occupational surname derived from the Middle High German word "aigner," which means "farmer" or "landowner." The Aigner surname lik...

Aigrom (Last name)

surnames > aigrom

The surname Aigrom originates from French and is likely to be of French origin. The meaning and history of the surname Aigrom is not readily available.

Aigusto (Last name)

surnames > aigusto

The surname Aigusto is believed to have Italian origins. It's derived from the given name Augustus, which was a Roman name and family name popularized by Emperor Augustus (63 BC â€...