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Last Name Pigem

What is the origin of the last name Pigem?

The surname "Pigem" is of Catalan origin. It is derived from the word "pica" which means pickaxe in the Catalan language. This surname was originally given to someone who worked as a miner using a pickaxe, or to someone who lived near a place where mining took place. The name can also be found in other regions of Spain with significant Catalan influence, such as Valencia.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pigem

The meaning and origin of the last name Pigem

The surname Pigem is of Catalan origin, derived from the Old Occitan word "piga," which means "peach." It's one of several Spanish and Catalan surnames that are associated with fruits or trees, reflecting the agricultural roots of many families in the region. Over time, variations such as Peguera, Piguer, and Pigues have emerged due to spelling modifications and regional dialects. The name may have been originally occupational, referring to someone who cultivated peach trees or sold peaches. Today, it's widely distributed among Catalan-speaking populations in Spain and beyond, particularly in the provinces of Girona, Barcelona, and Tarragona.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pigem

The surname Pigem is primarily distributed in Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain. It is most common in the provinces of Girona and Barcelona, reflecting the concentration of Catalan-speaking populations in these areas. A significant number of Pigems can be found in the comarca (county) of Garrotxa, particularly in the town of Olot. The surname also appears with some frequency in other parts of Spain but is less common compared to its occurrence in Catalonia. Outside Spain, there are small groups of people with the surname Pigem in France, especially in regions bordering Catalonia such as the Occitanie and the Grand Est regions, due to historical migration patterns. Additionally, a few individuals with this surname can be found in other parts of Europe and North America, typically among Spanish-speaking communities or descendants of Catalan immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pigem

The surname Pigem is primarily associated with Catalonia, Spain, and has various spelling and pronunciation variations due to the phonetic and orthographic differences among dialects within the region and over time. Some common variations include Pigeom, Pigó, Pigém, Pigum, Piguem, and Pighem. These alterations may be found in Catalan, Castilian, or other languages, as well as in transliterated forms using the Latin alphabet. It is also worth noting that some members of the family may have Spanish, French, or Jewish origins, contributing to further variations in spelling and pronunciation. Ultimately, the diverse spellings of the name Pigem reflect the rich cultural history of Catalonia and its people.

Famous people with the last name Pigem

The Pigém family, hailing from Catalonia, Spain, is recognized for its significant contributions to the field of mathematics and computer science. One of its most renowned members is Felip Pigém i Alió (1928-2017), a distinguished mathematician who made groundbreaking work in the areas of algebraic geometry and number theory. His research led to important results such as the Pigém-Verdier theorem. Another notable figure is his son, Lluís Pigém (born 1958), a computer scientist and engineer known for his contributions to the field of compilers and programming languages. He has authored several influential books on this topic and currently serves as the director of the Center for Computational Linguistics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The Pigém family's intellectual achievements have left an indelible mark on their respective fields, earning them widespread acclaim and respect in academia.

Genealogical research on the last name Pigem

The surname Pigem originates from Catalonia, Spain, and has roots dating back to medieval times. One of the earliest known bearers was Guillem Pigem, who lived in the late 13th century. Over the centuries, variations such as Pigué, Pigot, and Pigeon emerged due to spelling discrepancies in records and regional dialects. The name is derived from the Occitan word "pègema," meaning "precious stone," reflecting the high status of its early bearers. Some notable members include the Pigem family of artists who contributed significantly to the Catalan art world in the 20th century, and the footballer Joan Pigem i Vidal, a member of FC Barcelona's youth academy. The geographical distribution of the name today primarily concentrates in Catalonia, with smaller populations found in other Spanish-speaking countries and occasionally elsewhere due to migration.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 13 June 2025

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