Last Name Pelard

The surname Pelard has roots that can be traced back to France, specifically Normandy. It is derived from the Old French word "pel," meaning "bald" or "shaven-headed," and the suffix "-ard," which was a common addition in medieval France, indicating either physical characteristics or a profession. In this case, Pelard might have originally referred to someone who was bald or shaven-headed. However, it's important to note that surnames often evolved over time, and their meanings can change or become obscured. In the context of genealogy, it is essential to research specific records related to an individual or family to confirm the origin and meaning of a particular surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pelard

The meaning and origin of the last name Pelard

The surname Pelard is a French patronymic name, derived from the Old French word "pel," which means "bald" or "shaven." It is believed to have been originally used as a nickname for someone who had a bald head, or was shaved as a monk or a novice. The surname Pelard first appeared in Normandy and later spread throughout France during the Middle Ages. Over time, various spelling variations of the name emerged due to differences in transliteration, such as Pelhard, Pelart, and Pellerin, among others. Today, Pelard is a relatively uncommon surname, but it is still found primarily in French-speaking regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pelard

The surname Pelard is primarily distributed across France and French-speaking regions, reflecting its French origin. In France, it is most prevalent in the northwestern region of Brittany, with significant concentrations also found in Normandy and the Pays de la Loire region. Smaller numbers can be found in other parts of France, but the density significantly decreases outside these areas. Additionally, there are small communities bearing the surname Pelard in Canada, particularly in Quebec, which has a large French-speaking population due to historical immigration from France. Beyond these regions, the distribution is relatively sparse, indicating that the Pelard name maintains a strong association with its origins in France and its French-speaking diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pelard

The surname Pelard has several variations and spellings across different regions and historical periods. Some common spelling variations include Pelhart, Pelhardt, Pellard, Pelardy, and Pelardette. These variations may arise due to differences in transcription, translation, or regional dialects over time. Another variation is Pelarde, which has a slightly different etymology and originates from the French word for "partridge," likely used as a nickname and then adopted as a surname. It's important to note that these variations can also appear in different gendered forms (e.g., Pelard vs. Pelarde), reflecting differences in naming conventions across cultures and history.

Famous people with the last name Pelard

The Pelard surname is relatively uncommon but has produced notable figures in various fields. One of the most renowned is Georges Pelletier (1893-1967), a Canadian figure skater who won two gold medals at the Olympic Games - in 1924 for men's singles and in 1928 as part of the ice dance team with partner Louise Wagenknecht. Another prominent Pelard is Françoise Pelletier (born 1953), a Canadian actress who has had an illustrious career on both stage and screen, earning several Genie Awards for her performances in films like "Jacob" and "The Decline of the American Empire." In music, there's Michel Pelletier (1876-1953), a French composer who was particularly known for his operettas such as "Froufrous," which became hugely popular during his lifetime. Lastly, Jean-Pierre Pelletier (1944-2002) was a Canadian botanist and photographer, renowned for his extensive work on the flora of Quebec and the Arctic regions.

Genealogical research on the last name Pelard

The surname Pelard, originating from France, is derived from the Old French word "pel" meaning "skin" and "hard," meaning "strong." It was initially a professional name for a tanner or a leather worker. The earliest known record of the Pelard family can be traced back to the 12th century in Normandy, France. Over the centuries, the Pelard family spread across Europe, with significant populations found in England, Scotland, and Belgium due to historical events such as the Norman Conquest. In the United States, the Pelard name was introduced during the colonial period by French-speaking settlers from Canada and Acadia. Variations of the name include Pelardeau, Pelardet, and Pelardie, indicating regional or personal differences in spelling and pronunciation.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "pelard"
• 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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