Last Name Filion

The surname "Filion" is primarily of French origin. It is derived from a diminutive form of the given name Philippe. In Old French, 'Philippe' was derived from the Greek name Φιλίππος (Philippós), which means "friend of horses" or "horse-loving." The surname Filion emerged as a variant of the more common Phillipeau, Philippet, or Philippe. It is most prevalent in Quebec, Canada, due to the large number of French settlers who arrived there during the 17th and 18th centuries.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Filion

The surname Filion is of French origin, derived from the given name Philippe or Felician, both of which are Latin names. Philippe means "lover of horses" or "fight lover," while Felician means "happy" or "light-hearted." The surname Filion emerged during the Middle Ages when naming conventions shifted towards patronymic surnames, indicating the father's occupation or personal characteristics. The name was common among French speakers in regions such as Normandy and Picardy, where it is believed to have originated. Over time, variations of the name, such as Fillion, Fillionne, and Fillioun, emerged due to spelling discrepancies during records and migrations. Today, Filion is predominantly found in French-speaking regions, particularly in Quebec, Canada.

Geographical distribution of the last name Filion

The surname Filion is predominantly found in French-speaking regions, particularly Quebec, Canada. It originates from the medieval Occitan word "fils," meaning son, and was brought to North America by French settlers. In Quebec, it ranks among the top 1000 most common last names, with a significant concentration in rural areas and certain urban centers such as Montreal and Quebec City. Small numbers of people bearing the name Filion can also be found in other French-speaking countries like France and Switzerland. Additionally, there are scattered instances of the surname in the United States, primarily among descendants of French Canadians who migrated southward.

Variants and spellings of the last name Filion

The surname Filion has various spelling and pronunciation variations due to differences in regional dialects and transcription errors over time. Some of these variations include: Filian, Fillion, Fillionne, Philon, Pillon, and Fillioun. Additionally, there may be slight phonetic variations, such as Fylion or Fillione, depending on the region where the name originated. However, all these versions share a common etymology derived from the French "Fils de" meaning "son of," with the given name following the suffix "-ion." It is essential to note that the correct spelling may be subjective and depends on personal preference or regional dialect.

Famous people with the last name Filion

The Filion surname has been associated with several notable figures across various fields. In sports, Frédéric Filion, born in 1968, is a Canadian former ice hockey player who won two Stanley Cups and an Olympic silver medal during his career. From the world of academia, France Filion, born in 1939, is a distinguished Quebec sociologist known for her work on gender and family studies. In the realm of entertainment, Louise Filion, born in 1953, is a Canadian actress who has appeared in numerous television shows and films throughout her career. Lastly, Michel-Jean Filion, born in 1942, was a prominent Canadian writer and poet whose works explore themes of human relationships, nature, and the mysteries of life. Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to their respective fields and left an indelible mark on their communities.

Genealogical research on the last name Filion

The surname Filion is of French-Canadian origin, stemming from the Normandy region of France. It is derived from the Old French given name Philibert or Felician, which mean "lover of wisdom." The first recorded instance of the surname in Canada was in New France (present-day Quebec) around the 17th century. Many early Filions were connected to the clergy and the nobility in the region, such as Noël Filion, a notary in Montreal in the late 1600s. Other notable Filions include Pierre Filion, a prominent fur trader in the 18th century, and Émile Filion, a Member of Parliament in the early 20th century. The name has spread across Canada, particularly in Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick. Today, descendants of the Filion family can be found not only in Canada but also in the United States and other parts of the world where French-Canadian immigrants have settled.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Filion"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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