Last Name Peysson

The surname Peysson is of French origin. It is derived from various place names that were named with the word "Peyssou" or "Paisse", which means "peninsula" in Old Occitan language. Some examples of these places include Peymeinade, Peyrassol, and Peyrolles in Provence region of France. Over time, these place names evolved into surnames as families began to take on the name of their village or estate. The spelling variations of this surname include Peysson, Payson, Paisson, Pisson, and others.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Peysson

The meaning and origin of the last name Peysson

The surname Peysson is of French origin, derived from various place names found in France. The most common origins are from localities named "Peysson" or "Peisson," which are primarily located in the departments of Drôme and Isère. These villages were likely named after the Old Occitan word for "pebble" or "small stone," "piéson," as they were often situated near such geographical features. Over time, the spelling evolved to Peysson due to variations in transcription over the centuries. As a result of historical events and migration, people bearing this surname can now be found throughout France and other French-speaking countries, as well as in other parts of the world where their ancestors emigrated.

Geographical distribution of the last name Peysson

The surname Peysson is predominantly found in France, particularly in regions such as Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Rhône-Alpes. Its frequency suggests it has a long history within these areas, with roots likely dating back to medieval times. However, due to French colonialism and subsequent migration, the name can also be found among French diaspora communities worldwide, including countries like Canada, the United States, and various African nations. Additionally, it's worth noting that spelling variations like Peyssonnet, Peyssonnoux, and Peyssonnel exist, which may further influence its geographical distribution.

Variants and spellings of the last name Peysson

The surname Peysson has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Peyssonnet, Peyssonnel, Peyssonnelle, Peisson, Peissonnet, Peyson, Payzon, and Paisson. These variations may stem from regional dialects, personal preference, or errors in documentation. In French-speaking regions, the name is often written as Peysson with a silent 't' at the end, reflecting its Occitan origin. However, some families have added the 't' to conform to French orthographic rules, leading to additional variations such as Peyssonet and Peyssonne. Regardless of spelling, these surnames share a common ancestry and are generally believed to be derived from places named Peyssou or Peyssac in southwestern France.

Famous people with the last name Peysson

Notable individuals with the surname Peysson include:

1. Jean-Marc Peysson (born 1946), a French mathematician and computer scientist, known for his work on numerical methods for partial differential equations and inverse problems.
2. François Peysson (1935-2014), a French historian and professor, who specialized in the history of science and technology. His research focused on the development of steam engines during the industrial revolution.
3. Henri Peysson (1878-1963), a French architect known for his work on modernist buildings, including the Cité Universitaire de Paris and the Palace of Chaillot.
4. Émile Peysson (1861-1920), a French engineer who made significant contributions to the study of soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering. He is best known for his work on the stability of retaining walls, foundations, and embankments.

Genealogical research on the last name Peysson

The Peysson surname is believed to originate from France, specifically from the region of Savoie. The name is derived from the Old French word "pi" meaning "pebble" and "son" meaning "son," indicating someone living by a pebbly area or son of someone named Pi.

One prominent branch of the Peysson family can be traced back to Jean-Baptiste Peysson, born in 1700 in Savoie, who emigrated to Switzerland in the early 18th century. His descendants later moved to various parts of Europe and the Americas, including Germany, Belgium, and the United States.

In the United States, the Peysson family is particularly prominent in Louisiana and Texas, with many members contributing significantly to agriculture, politics, and education. Notable figures include Louis Charles Peysson, a judge and politician from Louisiana, and William Henry Peysson, a prominent businessman and community leader in Texas.

The Peysson family name thus has a rich history, spanning multiple countries and continents, with notable contributions in various fields throughout the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "peysson"
• 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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