Last Name Fieux

The surname Fieux is of French origin and is derived from various place names with the same root, such as Fieux in Calvados and Orne, and Feu, Feux, Feuz, Feusse, and Feuzou in Normandy. These place names are derived from the Old French word "feu" meaning 'fire', possibly due to a local landmark like a beacon or a hearth. The surname can also be spelled as Fieux, Fieuxz, Feyx, Feyzie, and Feix in different regions and among families with varying ancestry.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fieux

The meaning and origin of the last name Fieux

The surname Fieux is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "feu" which means "fire." It is believed that this surname was originally used as an occupational name for a blacksmith or a metalworker who worked near a fire. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved to various forms, including Fieux, Feux, and Feu. The name is relatively rare and is most commonly found in France. It may also have been used as a nickname for someone with red hair or a fiery temperament.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fieux

The surname Fieux has a concentrated presence in France, primarily in the region of Normandy, with significant clusters around Caen and Cherbourg. Outside of France, there are notable populations in Quebec, Canada, particularly in the Montmagny region, due to French colonial influence. Additionally, some families with the name Fieux can be found in Louisiana, United States, as a result of French immigration during the 18th century. The name is less common in other parts of the world, but its distribution reflects historical migration patterns from France, particularly during the colonial period.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fieux

The surname Fieux has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects over time. Some common variants include Feix, Feux, Fieuzal, Fieuze, Fieuxe, and Fieusse. These variations can be found throughout France and its colonies, as well as among French diaspora communities around the world. The original spelling of the name may have been Feu or Feux, which means "fire" in French, suggesting an occupational name for someone who was a firekeeper or a smith. However, it's important to note that the exact origins and meanings can vary depending on specific family histories.

Famous people with the last name Fieux

Notable individuals with the surname Fieux include:

1. Marcel Fieux (1938-2014), a French film director and screenwriter who is best known for his work on the films "The Little Prince" (1974) and "Marie Antoinette" (1976).

2. Jean Fieux (born 1954), a Canadian politician who served as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Chicoutimi—Le Fjord from 2008 to 2011, representing the Bloc Québécois party.

3. Michel Fieu (1936-2017), a French historian and writer who specialized in medieval history, particularly the Angevin Empire and the early Capetian dynasty of France.

4. Guy Fieux (born 1957), a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played for teams such as the Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders, and Winnipeg Jets in the National Hockey League during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as film, politics, history, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Fieux

The surname Fieux is of French origin, derived from the Old French term "feu" meaning "fire." It's believed that the name was given as an occupational nickname for someone who was a firekeeper or a smith. The first recorded appearance of the surname dates back to the 13th century in France. Over time, variations in spelling and transcription have led to several forms, such as Feu, Feux, Feez, and Fieux.

The Fieux family migrated to Canada during the 17th and 18th centuries, with the earliest settlers arriving in Quebec. They later spread throughout various provinces, including Ontario, where they established significant roots. Notable members of the Fieux family include Pierre Fieux, a prominent politician and lawyer in Quebec during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The family's genealogy remains an area of ongoing research among history enthusiasts and genealogists due to its rich history and varied migrations across time and continents.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "fieux"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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

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