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Last Name Paquin

What is the origin of the last name Paquin?

The surname Paquin is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "paien" meaning "pagan," and was originally used to identify people who were not Christian. Later, it became a geographical name for someone who lived in an area with a high number of pagans. In Canada, where many Paquins are found, the surname is often associated with the Acadian community, who are descendants of French colonists who settled in the Maritimes region before the 18th century.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Paquin

The meaning and origin of the last name Paquin

The surname Paquin originates from France, specifically the Normandy region, where it is thought to have derived from the Old French "paquier," meaning "packer" or "porter of packs." It was a name given to someone who worked as a pack carrier or porter. Over time, the surname spread throughout Europe and eventually reached North America with French settlers. In Quebec, Canada, the Paquin family name is quite common due to the large number of French immigrants who settled in New France during the 17th and 18th centuries. The most well-known bearer of the name is the Canadian actress Evangeline Lilly, born Amy N. Paquin, although it is important to note that the name is not exclusive to her or Canada.

Geographical distribution of the last name Paquin

The surname Paquin has its origins in France and is predominantly found in that country, particularly in the Normandy region. The name also has a significant presence in Quebec, Canada, due to French colonization and immigration. It is one of the most common French-Canadian last names and is often associated with this demographic. In addition, there are smaller clusters of Paquins in Louisiana, United States, where Acadian immigrants from Nova Scotia settled, as well as in parts of the Caribbean, such as Haiti, where some French colonists relocated. Furthermore, individuals bearing the surname can be found in various English-speaking countries, likely due to immigration or family migration over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Paquin

The surname Paquin has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation. Some common variants include Paquine, Pacquin, Pequin, and Paquinn. These variations may be found across different countries, with a notable concentration in French-speaking regions such as Quebec, Canada. Additionally, it is possible to encounter the name Packeen or Packin, which are phonetic variations more common in English-speaking regions. Lastly, other rarer variants include Paquyne and Pakyne, though these may be less prevalent. Despite these variations, the original roots of the surname are believed to be French, derived from the word "paquin," which means "cloth" or "fabric."

Famous people with the last name Paquin

Anna Paquin and Stephen Paquin are among the most prominent individuals with the surname Paquin. Born in 1982, Anna, a Canadian-born New Zealand actress, rose to fame for her role as Rogue in the X-Men film series and Sookie Stackhouse in HBO's True Blood, earning a Golden Globe and an Emmy for her performance in the latter. Stephen Paquin, her older brother, is a Canadian film director, producer, and screenwriter, who has worked on projects such as The Christmas Shoes and The Secret Life of Dolls. Both have contributed significantly to their respective fields, Anna in the world of acting and Stephen in film production.

Genealogical research on the last name Paquin

The surname Paquin originates from France and is a variation of the name Pacquin, which derives from the Latin "Pacatus," meaning peaceful or calm. It was first recorded in Normandy during the Middle Ages. The family migrated to Canada with early settlers in the 17th century, where the name became predominantly associated with Quebec Province. Notable figures bearing this surname include Genevieve Paquin, a Canadian singer, and Eric Paquette, an American professional ice hockey player. In the United States, the most frequent spellings of the surname are Paquin, Paquet, Pacquin, and Pacquette. The family tree can be traced back to multiple branches in France, Canada, and the United States.

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 : 11 June 2025

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