The last name Pegues is of French origin and is derived from the Old French "pegue" meaning "pegging," which refers to a peg used for fastening or anchoring. It may have been an occupational name for someone who was a builder, or it could have been a nickname for a person who had the habit of using pegs frequently. The spelling of the surname evolved over time and can be found as Pegge, Pegg, Peagues, etc. in various historical records.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Pegues
The surname Pegues is of French origin and is a variant of Pagès or Pageot, both meaning "page" or "servant page" in French. This occupational name was given to an individual who served as a page, typically in a noble household. The name became more common among the Normans following the conquest of England in 1066 and eventually spread throughout Britain and Ireland. Over time, various spellings for the surname emerged due to differences in regional pronunciation and recording methods, with Pegues being one such variant. Today, the name is relatively uncommon but can be found among French and English speakers, particularly in North America.
Geographical distribution of the last name Pegues
The surname Pegues has a significant presence primarily in the United States, particularly within African American communities. It originates from the West African name "Pa Gba" which means "head of the family." The migration of African slaves to North America brought this surname to the U.S., where it is most concentrated in states with a history of significant African American populations such as Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Texas. Smaller numbers can also be found in other parts of the United States, but the concentration in the Southern U.S. is notable. Outside the U.S., there are some occurrences of the surname Pegues in countries with a historical connection to the slave trade, like Haiti, Jamaica, and the Bahamas.
Variants and spellings of the last name Pegues
The surname Pegues has several variations and spellings, reflecting different regional pronunciations and transcription errors over time. Some common variations include Peege, Peezes, Peece, Peage, Peages, Pague, Pagues, Pigues, and Pegis. These variations may arise from phonetic changes, errors in transcription, or cultural adaptations of the original name. The root form "Pegues" is derived from French surnames such as "Peguet" or "Pigeot," originating from a nickname meaning "little pigeon."
Famous people with the last name Pegues
Notable individuals with the surname Pegues include:
1. John Pegues (born 1962), an American retired professional basketball player who played in the NBA from 1984 to 1993, primarily for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks.
2. Khalil Pegues (born 1997), a professional American football offensive lineman who was drafted by the Houston Texans in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Carolina State.
3. Al-Rasheed Pegues (born 1965), an American author and historian who is a leading expert on African-American history, cultural studies, and race relations. His work often explores the intersection of popular culture, politics, and social movements.
4. James Pegues (born 1930), an American lawyer and politician who served as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1968 to 1972, becoming the first African-American to represent Plaquemines Parish in the legislature since Reconstruction.
These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, spanning sports, academia, and politics.
Genealogical research on the last name Pegues
The surname Pegues is believed to have originated from France, specifically the region of Normandy. The name is derived from the Old French "pegue" or "picot," meaning "peasant" or "freeman." The family is thought to have migrated to England during the Norman Conquest in 1066 and later settled in various parts of Britain. Some descendants emigrated to North America, with records indicating that a John Pegues arrived in Virginia in 1635. The family has been traced back to several counties in the United States, including Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas. Notable individuals with the last name Pegues include James Bowie Pegues, a U.S. Representative from Louisiana, and jazz musician Alvin Batiste. Genealogical research suggests that the Pegues family has a rich history spanning multiple continents and centuries.
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.
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