Last Name Picart

The surname Picart originates from France. It is derived from a professional occupation, specifically a "picteur" or a painter, which comes from the Old French word "pic(que)," meaning "pointed stick" or "pen." Over time, the name evolved to Picart as a variant of Picquier, another occupational surname for a painter. The name is most prevalent in France and its diaspora.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Picart

The meaning and origin of the last name Picart

The surname Picart is of French origin, derived from the Old French "pic," meaning "peak" or "point," and the diminutive suffix "-art." Over time, it evolved to mean "little peak" or "little point." The name may have been given as a topographic name for someone who lived on a hill with prominent features or as an occupational name for someone who made small objects, such as needles or pins. Picart is a relatively uncommon surname and can be found primarily in France, Belgium, and other French-speaking regions. Notable individuals with this surname include the Baroque artist Jacques Stella, known for his work on the dome of Les Invalides in Paris, and the Swiss-French painter Charles- André van Loo, who was a prominent figure during the Rococo period.

Geographical distribution of the last name Picart

The surname Picart has a significant presence primarily in France, with the highest concentrations in regions such as Normandy, Picardy, and Paris. This is due to its historical origins in these areas. However, it is also found in other French-speaking countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada, particularly Quebec, reflecting the migration of people from France over centuries. Additionally, there are small populations of Picarts in countries with a significant French expatriate community, such as the United States and South America. In England, the name has been recorded since at least the 18th century due to Huguenot immigration. The name is relatively rare outside these regions but can be found in other parts of Europe and North America, often as a result of migration or assimilation.

Variants and spellings of the last name Picart

The surname Picart has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. Some common variations include Picarte, Picarty, Pickart, Pikart, and Pycart. These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions, phonetic interpretations, or family branch migrations over time. Other regional variations might include Pichart or Pigart, especially in French-speaking regions. Additionally, alternate spellings such as Picardo, derived from the Italian language, may also exist due to historical ties between families. It is essential to note that these variations do not necessarily represent separate individuals but can be different forms of the same surname within a family tree or among distant relatives.

Famous people with the last name Picart

The Picart family has produced notable figures across various fields throughout history. One of the most prominent members is Jacques-Philippe Le Bas de la Pirouette, also known as Jacques Picart de la Meigne (1698-1754), a French engraver and print publisher who played an important role in promoting the Rococo style in art. Another notable figure is Josué Picart (born 1949), a Haitian-American economist, who served as the Chief Economist of the Inter-American Development Bank from 2005 to 2013. In the realm of visual arts, Oscar Picart-Le Doux (1876-1964) was a French painter known for his impressionistic works and active involvement in the avant-garde art scene of his time. Lastly, Jean Picart de la Barre (1732-1791), a French Jesuit priest and philosopher, is recognized for his early advocacy for religious tolerance and the separation of church and state.

Genealogical research on the last name Picart

The Picart surname originates from France and is derived from the Old French "pic" meaning "peak" and "cart" meaning "chart", likely referring to someone who was a surveyor or lived near a prominent hill or peak. The earliest known records of the Picart family date back to the 13th century in the region of Picardy, France.

Notable individuals with the surname Picart include Jacques Picart de la Meigne (1696-1754), a French engraver and print publisher; Louis Picart (1870-1924), a French historian and archivist; and André Picard (born 1953), a Canadian journalist, who won the Pulitzer Prize for his work as a health columnist.

The Picart family also played significant roles in the Jewish community in France. Jacques Picart was a prominent member of the French Sephardic Jewish community in the 17th century. The Picarts were among the families that emigrated from France to the Netherlands and then to Brazil during the Portuguese Inquisition in the 16th and 17th centuries, contributing to the growth of Jewish communities in those regions.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Picart"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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