Last Name Pecoul

The last name Pecoul is of French origin. It is a locational surname derived from the place name Pecoul, which is a small village in the southern region of France.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pecoul

The meaning and origin of the last name Pecoul

The family name "Pecoul" originates in the southern region of France. It is mainly widespread in the departments of Aveyron, Tarn, Lot and Hérault. The name derives from the word occitan "pechol" which means "colline". It is a toponym, i.e. a surname based on a geographical characteristic of the family's place of origin. It is likely that the first bearers of the name were residents or landowners of land on a hill. Names based on toponyms are common in France and often allow to trace the local origins of families. Thus, the family name "Pecoul" probably evokes a geographical origin and recalls the rural roots of the family in the South of France.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pecoul

The last name Pecoul is most commonly found in France, particularly in the region of Occitanie. This region, located in the southern part of the country, is where the surname has the highest concentration. Pecoul may also be found in other French-speaking countries such as Switzerland and Belgium, albeit in smaller numbers. The distribution of the name outside of France is sparse, with only a few individuals bearing the surname in other parts of Europe or in the United States. Overall, Pecoul is a relatively rare last name, primarily concentrated in the Occitanie region of France. The origins and meaning of the surname Pecoul are not widely known, adding to the mystery and allure of this unique family name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pecoul

The Pecoul family name can be found in several variants and spellings. For example, Pecoul, Pecol, Pecool, Pekoohl, or Pecolle. These variations may be due to phonetic changes, writing errors or regional influences. For example, termination in "oul" could be a peculiarity of the regions of southern France, while adding "le" at the end could be a softened or diminutive version of the name. The different spellings may also be related to migrations or family individuals who have chosen to spell the name differently. Despite these variations, all these versions of Pecoul's surname refer to the same ancestral lineage, thus revealing the history and identity of a family throughout the eras.

Famous people with the last name Pecoul

The most famous person with the last name Pecoul is undoubtedly Jacques Pecoul, a French physician and scientist known for his groundbreaking work in the field of microbiology. His studies on infectious diseases and the development of vaccines have had a lasting impact on the medical community. Another well-known figure with the surname Pecoul is Jean-Pierre Pecoul, a renowned French chef who has gained international recognition for his innovative culinary creations. Both Jacques and Jean-Pierre Pecoul have made significant contributions to their respective fields, cementing their place in history as prominent figures with the last name Pecoul.

Genealogical research on the last name Pecoul

The last name Pecoul has its origins in France, specifically in the southern region of Occitania. It is believed to be of French Huguenot origin, with the earliest records dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The name Pecoul derives from the Occitan word "pecol," meaning "point," suggesting that the original bearers of this name may have inhabited a place marked by a prominent geographical feature or boundary. Over time, branches of the Pecoul family migrated to different regions, including North America and the Caribbean, as a result of religious persecution, economic opportunities, and colonial expansion. Today, individuals with the surname Pecoul can be found in various parts of the world, with descendants of these early French settlers continuing to carry on the ancestral name and contribute to their respective communities.

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