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Last Name Citron

What is the origin of the last name Citron?

The surname Citron is of French origin. It is derived from a personal name, "Citrin," which was an Old French form of the Latin name "Cyrus." The Latin name Cyrus comes from the Persian royal dynasty that included several famous figures like Cyrus the Great and Cyrus the Younger. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation led to the development of the surname Citron in various parts of Europe, including France.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Citron

The meaning and origin of the last name Citron

The surname Citron, derived from the French word for "lemon," is an occupational name originally referring to someone who was a lemon grower or vendor. The name's origin can be traced back to medieval Europe, where it was common for people to adopt occupational names as a form of identification within their communities. As commerce and trade expanded during the Middle Ages, individuals with similar professions began to form distinct groups, often leading to the development of unique surnames. Over time, the Citron family migrated to various parts of Europe and eventually to other continents, making it a widespread name today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Citron

The surname Citron is predominantly of French origin and has a notable presence in France, particularly in regions such as Rhône-Alpes, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Ile-de-France. It also has a significant distribution in the United States, with a high concentration in states like New York, Florida, and California, which are home to large French-American communities. Beyond France and the U.S., the surname Citron can be found in countries with historical ties to France, such as Canada, Belgium, and Switzerland. The name also appears in Israel, due to immigration from France during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In summary, while the majority of people with the last name Citron are predominantly found in France and its diaspora, it has a global distribution due to migration and historical ties.

Variants and spellings of the last name Citron

The surname Citron has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common versions include Citron, Citronn, Citrone, Citroni, Citronas, and Citronis. These variations originate from the French word for lemon, 'citron', and were often adopted by individuals with Jewish roots as a symbolic or literal reference to their origin. In Hebrew, the name can also be transliterated as Tzitron, meaning "lemon tree". Additionally, there may be some instances where the name has been anglicized or modified over time due to migration and cultural assimilation.

Famous people with the last name Citron

One of the most notable individuals with the surname Citron is André Citroën (1878-1935), a French industrialist who founded the automobile manufacturing company Citroën. His innovative designs, such as the Traction Avant and the first mass-produced front-wheel drive car, helped establish his company as a major player in the automotive industry. Another prominent figure is Nathaniel Goldshmid Citron (1905-2001), an American lawyer who served on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and was instrumental in shaping federal labor law. In the world of finance, there is Sanford I. "Sandy" Citron (1934-2016), a prominent bond trader and financial analyst who co-founded the investment bank Salomon Brothers with his brother Robert. Lastly, Barbara Citron (born 1954) is an American professor of mathematics, known for her work in dynamical systems and differential equations.

Genealogical research on the last name Citron

The surname Citron originates from France and is derived from the Old French word "citron" meaning lemon, reflecting its original occupational or geographical origin related to the citrus fruit trade. Variations of this name include Cittreon, Cittron, and Citerne. In England, it is believed that the name was first recorded in Yorkshire during the 14th century. The Citron family has notable historical figures such as Henri Citron (1857-1935), a French politician and lawyer who served as Minister of War under Georges Clemenceau, and the American industrialist Isaac Citron (1862-1914). In the United States, the name became more prevalent during the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to immigration waves from France and Eastern Europe.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 27 July 2025

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