Last Name Pecheux

The surname Pecheux is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "pechier," meaning a toll collector, and is ultimately derived from the Latin word "paticiare" or "patere," meaning to pay or to suffer. The surname Pecheux was often given as an occupational name for someone who collected tolls on a bridge, ferry, or other crossing. It can also be found in its variant forms such as Pecqueux, Pechoux, and Petchaux.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pecheux

The meaning and origin of the last name Pecheux

The surname Pecheux is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "peche" meaning "fish." It was originally an occupational name for a fisherman or someone involved in the fishing industry. Over time, variations in spelling such as Pichot, Pichet, and Pechet emerged due to phonetic changes in surnames over centuries. The name has been found primarily in northern France, indicating a possible regional concentration of the occupation or trade. Today, it is a relatively uncommon surname but still found among the French-speaking populations of France and Canada.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pecheux

The surname Pecheux is predominantly found in France, particularly in the regions of Normandy and Brittany. These areas have historically been known for their rich cultural and linguistic diversity. It's believed that the name may originate from the Old French word "pêche", meaning "peach" or "fishing". The surname also has a presence in Canada, primarily in Quebec where many French settlers immigrated during the 17th and 18th centuries. Small numbers of people with the last name Pecheux can also be found in other parts of the world due to migration from these historical centers. However, its concentration remains highest in France and Quebec.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pecheux

The surname Pecheux has several variations and spellings, mainly due to differences in translation and transcription over time. Here are some of the commonly found forms:

1. Pecheux: This is the standard French spelling of the name, which originates from the Old French word "pechie" meaning "sin."
2. Pacheaux: An alternate French spelling that may also be found.
3. Pechaux: A Germanized form of the French surname.
4. Paxhous: An Anglicized variant of the French name, where the 'e' has been replaced with an 'a' and the final 'x' has been changed to 'h.'
5. Pechaix: A less common variation that may be found in some regions.
6. Pacius: A Latinized form of the surname, possibly derived from a different origin.
7. Paxiou, Pexiou, Peksis, or Paksis: Variations found among Greek immigrants with French ancestry.
8. Pecheishvili: This is a Georgian surname that may have been adopted by individuals of French descent who migrated to Georgia.
9. Pechisak, Pechyshkin, and other Slavic variations may have resulted from assimilation or misinterpretation during immigration periods.

Famous people with the last name Pecheux

Notable individuals with the surname Pecheux include:

1. Jean-Pierre Peugeot (1847-1916), a French industrialist who played a significant role in expanding the family's Peugeot business, which is renowned for its automobiles and bicycles.

2. René Pechuzeau (born 1937), a French mathematician known for his work on differential geometry and partial differential equations. He was elected to the French Academy of Sciences in 2006.

3. Émilie Pechu (born 1984), a French cellist who has performed with various orchestras worldwide and won several awards, including the ARD International Music Competition in Munich in 2005.

4. Jean-Baptiste Pecheux (1762-1836), a French general during the Napoleonic Wars, who served as Chief of Staff to Marshal Michel Ney and was later appointed Governor of Lille.

5. Yves Pecheux (born 1948), a French sociologist, economist, and political scientist, known for his work on globalization, development economics, and social movements.

Genealogical research on the last name Pecheux

The surname Pecheux originates from France and is a variant of Pichot or Pichet, derived from occupational names for a maker or seller of small baskets or nets, known as "pechs" in Old French. One of the earliest records of this name can be traced back to Hugues le Pecheur in 1208 in the region of Normandy. The family later spread across France, with significant populations emerging in the regions of Picardy and Brittany. In the late 17th century, some members of the Pecheux family immigrated to Canada, establishing settlements in Quebec and Ontario. Notable descendants include Pierre-Joseph Pecheux, a Canadian politician, and Charles Peachey, an English inventor who adapted the sewing machine for mass production.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "pecheux"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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