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Last Name Peillot

What is the origin of the last name Peillot?

The surname Peillot is of French origin. It is derived from a medieval occupational name for someone who was a worker in lead or a manufacturer of lead objects, from the Old French word "peil" meaning "lead". Over time, variations in the spelling of this name have occurred due to differences in transcription and translation, resulting in forms such as Peillet, Pailhot, and others.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Peillot

The meaning and origin of the last name Peillot

The surname Peillot is of French origin, specifically from the region of Savoie, located in the southeastern part of France. It is derived from the Old French word "pelot," meaning "ball" or "small stone," and was likely used as a nickname for someone who had a round or solid build, resembling a ball. Over time, the surname evolved into various spellings such as Pelet, Pelletier, and Pellot, with Peillot being one of them. The name became more widespread as families from Savoie migrated to other parts of France and to countries like Switzerland and Belgium. Today, the surname Peillot is found predominantly among French and Belgian populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Peillot

The surname Peillot is primarily concentrated in France, with significant concentrations in the Rhône-Alpes and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions, particularly in the department of Ain. In France, it ranks among the top 20,000 most common surnames. Outside of France, the Peillot name can be found sparsely in other French-speaking countries like Switzerland and Belgium. There are also traces of the name in countries with significant French diaspora, such as Canada and the United States. In these countries, it is generally clustered among communities with a strong connection to French heritage.

Variants and spellings of the last name Peillot

The surname Peillot has several variations and spellings due to historical and regional differences in spelling and pronunciation. Here are some common variations:

* Peylot
* Peillotte
* Peillet
* Peillon
* Peilhout
* Paylot
* Peillote
* Paylut
* Peilloud
* Peillonet
* Peilloit
* Peilhot
* Peillou
* Peillotin
* Peilloteaux

These variations may also be found with different accents, such as acute or grave accents, and in different case forms (capitalized or not). The original spelling of the name is likely to have been lost over time, making it difficult to determine its exact origin.

Famous people with the last name Peillot

Pierre Peillaud, born in 1943, is a renowned French alpine skier who won two Olympic gold medals in the slalom event during the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble. Another notable figure with the last name Peillot is Laurent Peillot, a French professional cyclist who has competed in various races such as the Tour de France and Paris-Roubaix. In the field of art, Jean Peillaud, born in 1943, is an internationally recognized sculptor whose works are displayed in numerous museums and private collections worldwide. Lastly, Fabien Peillot, a French journalist, is known for his coverage of political events and has received several awards for his work, including the Albert Londres Prize. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and are well-known figures associated with the last name Peillot.

Genealogical research on the last name Peillot

The surname Peillot is of French origin, primarily found in the Rhône-Alpes and Auvergne regions. Its earliest known origins are traced back to the 12th century, with records showing the name being spelled as Peylot, Paylot, or de Peillote during this period. One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name was Aymarus Paylot, who lived in Saint-Marcelin, Dauphiné, in 1185. The family migrated to other parts of France over the centuries, and some branches moved to Switzerland, Belgium, and England as a result of religious conflicts during the Protestant Reformation. In the United States, Peillots can be found in Louisiana, where the name was brought by French settlers in the 18th century. The Peillot family has had notable members, such as Jean-Marie Pierre Peillot, who served as Mayor of Saint-Etienne, France, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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 : 25 July 2025

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