Last Name Pelissier

The surname "Pelissier" is of French origin. It comes from the Old French word "pelisser", which means 'furrier' or 'skinner'. This occupational name was given to people who worked with furs, either as tanners, dressers, or sellers of fur goods. Over time, these types of names became hereditary and were passed down from generation to generation. It is also possible for the surname Pelissier to have other regional variants in France or neighboring regions where French influence was strong.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pelissier

The meaning and origin of the last name Pelissier

The surname Pelissier originates from France, specifically in the region of Normandy, where it is derived from the Old French "pelisse," meaning a cloak or mantle. Over time, this name became a topographic surname for someone who lived near a place where such garments were made or sold. The name Pelissier was also used as an occupational surname for someone who provided cloaks or mantles to the community. This surname has been recorded in France since at least the Middle Ages, and it is believed that the Pelissiers were a prominent family in Normandy during this period. Today, variations of the name can be found throughout France and other French-speaking countries, as well as in regions with significant French immigration such as Canada and Louisiana (USA).

Geographical distribution of the last name Pelissier

The surname Pelissier has its origins in France and is predominantly found in regions such as Normandy and Languedoc-Roussillon. Historically, families bearing this name were located in the areas around Rouen, Caen, and Le Havre in Normandy, as well as in Toulouse and Montpellier in Languedoc-Roussillon. Over time, emigration from France has led to the dispersal of Pelissiers across various parts of Europe and the Americas. In Canada, the highest concentration of Pelissiers can be found in Quebec due to French colonization. In the United States, Louisiana and Texas also have significant populations with this surname due to French settlers and Acadian migration. Additionally, smaller numbers of Pelissiers can be found in countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Argentina, reflecting the global movement of people over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pelissier

The surname Pelissier has various spelling variations including Pelisser, Peliciere, Pelizier, Pelicyer, Pelicier, Pellisier, Pellicyer, Pelliciare, and Pellizyre. These alterations may have arisen due to differences in regional pronunciation, scribal errors during data recording, or attempts to phonetically translate the name from one language to another over time. However, the root form of the name is believed to originate from a French occupational surname derived from the Old French word "pelisier," meaning pelissier, a maker and seller of pelisse, a type of cloak or coat. In contemporary usage, Pelissier is most commonly spelled as either Pelissier or Pelizer in English-speaking countries.

Famous people with the last name Pelissier

Notable individuals sharing the surname Pelissier include:

1. Jean-Marie Pelissier (1908-1972), a French Resistance fighter during World War II, who was responsible for the escape of several prominent figures, including General Charles de Gaulle and Jean Moulin.

2. Marcel Pelissier (1864-1934), a Canadian physician and professor of medicine at McGill University in Montreal. He is recognized as one of Canada's founding fathers in the field of radiology, having performed some of the first radiological examinations in the country.

3. François Pelissier (1897-1982), a French engineer and aviator who served during World War II, and later became an executive for Air France. He was one of the few pilots to have flown both propeller and jet aircraft, and held several records for long-distance flights.

4. Charles Pelissier (1892-1975), a French film director and screenwriter who worked in the French cinema during the 1930s and 1940s. He is best known for directing "La Bandera," one of the earliest French films to be successful at the international box office, and for his collaboration with Jean Gabin and Pierre Fresnay on several films.

5. Hélène Pelissier (1872-1946), a French artist who was a member of the Nabi movement, a group of artists active in France at the turn of the 20th century. Her work was characterized by a focus on symbolic and decorative elements, often featuring women as central figures.

Genealogical research on the last name Pelissier

The surname Pelissier is of French origin, derived from the medieval occupational name "Pelisseur" or "Pellisier," meaning a fur worker or skin dressier. This name was primarily concentrated in Normandy and Picardy regions of France. One of the earliest recorded instances of the Pelissier family can be traced back to Hugues le Pellisier, who lived during the 12th century. The Pelissiers emigrated from France in large numbers, settling in various European countries such as Belgium, Spain, and England, and later in North America following colonization. Notable individuals bearing the Pelissier name include François-Antoine Pelissier, a prominent Canadian politician during the 19th century, and Émile Pelissier, a French architect who contributed to modernist architecture in the early 20th century. Today, Pelissiers can be found worldwide, particularly in Canada and France.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pelissier"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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