Last Name Picaud

The surname Picaud is of French origin and is derived from a geographical location or a profession. The name originally referred to someone who lived near a picket fence (from Old French "picot" meaning picket) or someone who was a pikeman, a type of medieval infantry soldier armed with a long spear. Over time, the spelling variations of this surname emerged, including Picaud, Picaut, and Pickard, due to differences in transcription, translation, and regional dialects.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Picaud

The meaning and origin of the last name Picaud

The surname Picaud is of French origin, derived from the Old Occitan phrase "pic d'aou," which translates to "peak of eagle" in English. This name was originally used as a geographical reference for someone living near an eagle's peak or a prominent hill. Over time, it evolved into a hereditary surname and spread across France and its colonies, including present-day Canada and the United States. Today, Picaud is a relatively uncommon surname but can be found in various parts of the world as a result of French migration and colonial expansion.

Geographical distribution of the last name Picaud

The surname Picaud is predominantly found in France, particularly in the western regions such as Brittany and Normandy, where it is one of the most common surnames due to historical settlement patterns. Its origins can be traced back to the medieval period, when Breton settlers carried the name to various parts of France during the Frankish conquest. Additionally, smaller populations of Picauds can also be found in other French-speaking countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada, particularly in Quebec. The name is also present in smaller numbers in Spanish-speaking regions such as Spain and South America, where it may have been introduced by French colonists or immigrants. In the United States, Picaud is mainly concentrated in states with a strong French-American community, such as Louisiana and Maine.

Variants and spellings of the last name Picaud

The surname Picaud has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common versions include Picard, Picart, Picot, and Picault, which are derived from French occupational names for a picador or a maker of wooden pitchers. Other variations may also exist due to regional dialects, migration, or errors in documentation. Some examples include Pikaud, Pikat, and Peekhoud, which might have arisen in different parts of the world where the surname was carried by immigrants. Additionally, there may be misspellings or typos that could lead to alternative spellings such as Piekod, Picood, or Pikaudt. These variations highlight the historical and cultural diversity of the Picaud family name.

Famous people with the last name Picaud

Notable individuals with the surname Picaud include:

1. Pierre-André Picaud (born 1948), a French sailor who participated in two America's Cup races and won the OSTAR race in 1974.
2. Yves Picaud (1930–2016), a French jazz saxophonist and composer who was part of the Dixieland revival in Paris during the 1950s.
3. Marie-Pierre Picaud (born 1984), a French actress known for her roles in films such as "Tell No One" (2006) and "The Sentinel" (2006).
4. Jean-Claude Picaud (1934–2017), a French businessman and mountaineer who founded the adventure travel company, Exploramer.
5. Jean Picaud (1855–1922), a French composer and pianist who wrote over 600 pieces of music, primarily for piano and voice.

Genealogical research on the last name Picaud

The surname Picaud, of French origin, is derived from the occupational name "picot," meaning "quilt maker." This name was primarily used in the Norman region and was brought to England following the Conquest in 1066. Over time, various spelling variations emerged due to transliteration, phonetic changes, and regional dialects, including Picot, Picoz, Picaudet, and Picaudie.

One notable figure with the surname Picaud is Jean Picaut, a French explorer who accompanied Jacques Cartier on his second voyage to Canada in 1535-1536. The Picaud family also played significant roles in the religious wars of France during the 16th and 17th centuries, with many members serving as Protestant leaders and contributors to the French Reformation.

The surname Picaud can be found in various parts of Europe, particularly France, England, and its colonies. As with many historical names, migrations led to the spread of the name to other continents such as North America, South America, Africa, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Picaud"
• 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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