Last Name Pic

The surname "Pic" has origins that can be traced to various countries including France and Italy. In French, "pic" means "peak" or "point," and is a topographical name for someone who lived on a hill or high ground. In Italian, "Pic" is a diminutive form of the given name Pietro, which means "rock" in Latin. It's worth noting that surnames originated from a variety of sources such as occupations, geographical locations, physical characteristics, and even patronage of important individuals.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pic

The meaning and origin of the last name Pic

The surname Pic is of French origin and derives from a nickname for someone with a pockmarked face, as "pic" means 'spot' or 'pimple' in Old French. It may also have originated as an occupational name for a builder or mason, as "picot" in Middle French means 'to pick' or 'to hammer'. The use of nicknames in the Middle Ages was a common practice, with names given to people based on their physical characteristics, occupations, or traits they exhibited. Over time, these nicknames became hereditary surnames and were passed down through generations, such as in the case of Pic. Today, it remains a relatively uncommon but distinctive surname, found primarily in France and its diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pic

The surname Pic is primarily distributed across Western Europe, with significant concentrations in France and Spain. In France, it's most prevalent in the regions of Occitania, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, and Brittany, reflecting historical linguistic and cultural influences. In Spain, it's commonly found in Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands. Smaller groups bearing the name can also be found in Italy, particularly in the region of Liguria, due to historic migrations and regional dialect similarities with French and Catalan. Additionally, scattered instances of the surname Pic exist in other parts of Europe and across the globe, mainly as a result of emigration, especially to North America and Latin America from the 16th century onwards.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pic

The surname Pic has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. In English, it is commonly spelled as "Pic," although some individuals may spell it as "Picc" or "Pyc." These variations may arise from regional dialects, phonetic influences, or historical factors.

In French, the surname Pic is also common and pronounced as [pik]. It may be spelled in French as "Picq," "Piqué," or "Pyquet," reflecting variations in pronunciation and regional conventions. In other languages, such as Spanish, Italian, or Catalan, this name can have similar forms like "Píc," "Pich," or "Pica."

The name Pic is a patronymic surname originating from the Occitan region of southern France, where it was used to denote someone associated with the occupation of a blacksmith (from the Old French word "pic," meaning 'pickaxe' or 'hammer'). It may also be of topographic origin, indicating someone who lived near a sharp rocky outcrop. Over time and through migration, variations in spelling and pronunciation have arisen as the name spread across different regions and languages.

Famous people with the last name Pic

The Pic family has contributed significantly to various fields, particularly art and science. Pablo Picasso, born in Spain in 1881, is one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, known for co-founding the Cubist movement with Georges Braque. His works such as "Guernica" and "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" are iconic pieces that have left a lasting impact on modern art. Another notable Pic is Yves Pic, a French engineer who made significant contributions to the field of optics, especially in the development of interferometry techniques used in astronomy. Lastly, Yves Saint Laurent, born in France in 1936, was a legendary fashion designer, founder of Yves Saint Laurent, and one of the most prominent figures in the fashion industry. His designs have been celebrated for their elegance and innovative approach to women's wear.

Genealogical research on the last name Pic

The surname Pic originates from France and is a variation of the name Pierre, which translates to "stone" or "rock" in English. It emerged as a surname during the High Middle Ages, a period when French society was undergoing significant changes. The most common region of origin for the Pic family is Normandy, where it was first documented in the 12th century. Notable figures bearing this name include the Pic family of artists, who hailed from Normandy and became prominent during the Renaissance. The name also spread to other parts of France, such as Picardy, and later migrated to other European countries like Belgium, England, and Spain. In the New World, descendants of the Pic family can be found in Canada, the United States, and South America, reflecting historical migration patterns. The surname Pic has thus left a significant mark on various cultures throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pic"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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