Last Name Picot

The surname "Picot" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old Norse word 'byr' meaning farmstead and the Old French term 'picot', which means a small stake or peg used for marking property boundaries. Over time, it came to be used as a personal name, and later evolved into a surname. In France, Picot was often given to someone who lived near such a marked boundary. It is also possible that the name originated from someone who made pegs or stakes, due to the similarity between 'picot' and the French word for carpenter, 'ébéniste'. The name is most prevalent in France but can be found in other countries with French influence, such as Canada, the United States, and parts of Africa.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Picot

The meaning and origin of the last name Picot

The surname Picot is of French origin, derived from the Old Norse word "býr" (farm) and the diminutive suffix "-skati," which translates to "little farm." In Old French, this evolved into "picot" or "petit cot," meaning "small cottage" or "small house by the river." The name was often given to individuals who lived in a small dwelling near a water source. Over time, Picot became a common surname in France and its territories, with notable bearers found across Europe. Today, it is most prevalent in French-speaking regions such as France, Canada (Quebec), and the Caribbean.

Geographical distribution of the last name Picot

The surname Picot has its origins in French-speaking regions, particularly in France and French-colonized territories. According to data from FamilyNameDatabase.com, it is most prevalent in France, where it ranks as the 2987th most common last name. In terms of geographical distribution outside France, Picot is found in significant numbers in various French-speaking countries such as Canada (Quebec), Belgium, Switzerland, and Haiti. It is also present in other parts of the world due to historical migration patterns, including Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, and various Caribbean islands. Picot can also be found among communities of French descent in the United States, particularly in Louisiana and other Southern states. The distribution of the surname Picot reflects the historical and cultural influence of France, as well as the migration patterns of French-speaking populations across the globe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Picot

The surname Picot has several variants and spellings, which may differ based on regional dialects and historical record-keeping practices. The most common spelling is Picot, originating from France where it was originally derived from the Occitan word "picat," meaning "beak." Other variations include Pickott, Pikett, Peckot, and Picotte, although these are less frequent. In addition, there may be regional or cultural differences in the spelling of this name; for example, Picote is a Brazilian variant, while some Canadian families might spell it Picquet. The name may also be found as Pickat, Pickett, Peckett, or Peckatt in English-speaking countries. It is important to note that the specific spelling can vary significantly, even within the same family lineage, due to differences in transcribing and recording names over time and place.

Famous people with the last name Picot

Notable individuals bearing the surname Picot include:

1. Charles-Jean-Marie Picot de la Calmette (1766–1829), who, along with Jean-Antoine Chaptal, developed the modern system of metric weights and measures known as the Metric System during the French Revolution.

2. Jacques Picot (1854–1938), a French engineer and explorer best known for participating in the mission to locate the source of the Nile River along with Jean-Baptiste Marchand and Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza.

3. Georges Picot (1856–1932), a French diplomat instrumental in drafting the Sykes-Picot Agreement, which outlined the division of territories in the Middle East following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I.

4. Émilie Picot (born 1977), a French mathematician and Fields Medalist known for her work on hyperbolic geometry and Teichmüller theory. She is a professor at the University of Strasbourg.

Genealogical research on the last name Picot

The surname Picot, of French origin, is derived from the Old Norse "byskupr," meaning bishop, which was later Latinized as episcopus and eventually Anglicized to bishop. In France, a pet form, Picot, emerged in the Middle Ages, possibly signifying a diminutive or affectionate nickname for someone associated with the ecclesiastical role. The family's first recorded occurrence is during the 13th century, primarily in Normandy and Brittany regions of France. Over time, Picots migrated to England, Belgium, Canada, and the United States, spreading the lineage across Europe and North America. Notable Picot descendants include Jacques Picot de Clorivière, a prominent French explorer, and Pierre-Jules Picot, a renowned Belgian artist. The Picot family has maintained its distinct identity through centuries, displaying a rich history of contributions to various fields such as military, politics, art, and science.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Picot"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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