Last Name Peyroux

The surname Peyroux is of French origin. It is derived from a place name, "Peyrouse," which was originally found in the Gers and Haute-Garonne departments in southern France. This place name comes from the Occitan word "peirauz," meaning "pear tree" or "pear grove." The surname Peyroux was subsequently brought to England during the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) by Norman conquerors. Over time, variations of the name emerged due to spelling inconsistencies in old records and different pronunciations in various regions. Examples include Peiroux, Payroux, Peyroix, and Peyrouse.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Peyroux

The meaning and origin of the last name Peyroux

The surname Peyroux is a French name, derived from the Old Occitan word "peiròus," which means "pear orchard." This surname was often given to individuals who lived near pear trees or owned pear orchards. Over time, as families migrated and settled in different regions, variations of the spelling appeared. Some common variations include Peyrou, Peyrous, Peiroix, and Peiroux. The name is most prevalent in southern France, particularly in regions such as Provence and Languedoc. Today, it can be found among the French diaspora around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Peyroux

The surname Peyroux is primarily found in France, particularly in the southwestern region, notably around Bordeaux and its surrounding departments such as Gironde, Dordogne, and Lot-et-Garonne. It's also common in other French regions like Aquitaine and Midi-Pyrénées. Outside of France, descendants of French emigrants have carried the name to various parts of the world. In North America, Peyroux can be found predominantly in Quebec and Louisiana, reflecting the French colonization and migration patterns. In Canada, it's particularly common in Montreal and surrounding areas due to the significant influence of French culture and history. In the United States, especially in states with strong French Creole influences like Louisiana, Peyroux is a relatively common surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Peyroux

The surname Peyroux has several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some of these variations include Peyroix, Payroux, Peiroux, Pairoux, Pairoix, Pierux, and Peroux. These variations may be found across various regions, particularly in French-speaking countries or among people with French ancestry. Additionally, the name can also appear as de Peyroux, indicating a noble lineage. It's important to note that these variants might have slight differences in pronunciation and regional usage.

Famous people with the last name Peyroux

Notable individuals with the surname Peyroux include:

1. Madeleine Peyroux (born 1974), an American jazz and blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist. She gained prominence in the early 2000s with her album "Dreamland."

2. Jean-Pierre Peyroux (1936-2018), a French businessman who served as the CEO of Airbus from 2006 to 2012. He was instrumental in overseeing the successful delivery of the A380 superjumbo jet.

3. Jean Peyroux (1945-2017), a French actor and director, best known for his work in theater, film, and television. He received several accolades for his contributions to French cinema.

4. Laetitia Peyroux (born 1986), a French actress, most recognized for her role as Alice Vandamme in the TV series "Engrenages" (Spiral).

Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to their respective fields and is recognized for their achievements.

Genealogical research on the last name Peyroux

The surname Peyroux originates from France and is derived from the Occitan word "peirous," meaning "rocky" or "steep." Historically, it was a toponymic name, indicating that the original bearer lived in a place named with this term.

The earliest records of the Peyroux family can be traced back to the 13th century in the region of Languedoc-Roussillon. Notable members include Guillaume Peyroux, a knight who fought during the Hundred Years' War, and Pierre Peyroux, a Huguenot pastor who emigrated to Geneva in the 16th century due to religious persecution.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, several branches of the Peyroux family spread across France and neighboring countries, including Switzerland and Belgium. Many members of the family played significant roles in various professions such as law, medicine, and military service.

Peyroux immigrants began arriving in North America during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, particularly in Quebec and Louisiana. The surname is also found in other parts of the world, including England, Australia, and South Africa. Today, Peyroux remains a common surname among descendants of French origin.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "peyroux"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends