Last Name Pilet

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pilet

The meaning and origin of the last name Pilet

The surname Pilet is of French origin, deriving from a variety of sources. One possible origin is from the Old French word "pile" which means "pyre," referring to a place where executions by fire were carried out. Another possibility is that it comes from the Old French "pilier," meaning "pillar," indicating a geographical feature or occupational name for someone who worked with pillars. Additionally, it could have been a nickname for a robust or sturdy individual, as "pile" also means "a heap" or "mass." The earliest recorded instances of the surname Pilet can be traced back to France in the 13th century, where it was frequently found in regions such as Normandy and Burgundy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pilet

The surname Pilet is predominantly found in France, particularly in regions such as Savoie, Haute-Savoie, and Rhône-Alpes, where it originated. It is also common in Quebec, Canada, due to French colonization and migration. Smaller populations of Pilets can be found in other French-speaking countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and some African nations with historical French influence, such as Senegal and Haiti. In recent times, there have been diasporas of individuals with the surname Pilet to various English-speaking countries, notably the United States and Australia. The distribution of the name reflects historical migration patterns from France and its colonies, as well as modern global mobility.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pilet

The surname Pilet has several variations and spellings in different parts of the world due to historical and regional influences on pronunciation and orthography. Some common variations include Pillet, Pillet, Pylet, and Pilet. These variations may arise from minor differences in pronunciation or spelling conventions over time. In French-speaking regions, the name is more commonly spelled Pilet or Pillet, while in English-speaking regions, it might be spelled as Pilet, Pillet, or Pilet. Additionally, some individuals may use variations that reflect personal preference or regional dialects, such as Pylet. Regardless of the specific spelling, all these forms are considered to be variations of the same original surname.

Famous people with the last name Pilet

Notable individuals with the surname Pilet include:

1. Jean-Baptiste Pilet de la Martelaye (1823-1904), a French painter and etcher known for his historical and allegorical works.

2. Marc Pilet (born 1956), a Swiss actor who has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and theater productions. He won the Swiss Film Prize for Best Actor in 1985.

3. François Pilet (born 1973), a Canadian politician who served as the Member of Parliament for Sherbrooke from 2011 to 2015, representing the Bloc Québécois.

4. Pierre-Louis Pilet de Villiers (1768-1839), a French general during the Napoleonic Wars who participated in several key battles, including those of Austerlitz and Waterloo.

5. Émilie Pilet (born 1992), a Canadian synchronized swimmer who competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as art, acting, politics, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Pilet

The surname Pilet is primarily of French origin, derived from the Old French word "pilier," meaning "pillar" or "column." It was originally a topographical name for someone who lived near a pillar or column, or an occupational name for someone who made or worked with pillars. The name first appears in records during the late Middle Ages, particularly in Normandy and Picardy regions of France.

In the 17th century, many French families emigrated to other countries due to religious and political persecution. Some Pilet families settled in Switzerland, Belgium, and later in North America. In Canada, the name can be traced back to Quebec, where Pierre Pillet arrived in 1650. The spelling of the surname evolved over time, with variants including Pilette, Pilotte, Pilat, and Pilot.

In the United States, the Pilets are primarily concentrated in Louisiana, having migrated there from Canada during the 18th century due to French influence. The name can also be found in other states such as Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and New York, often among descendants of French-Canadian settlers or immigrants.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pilet"
• 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