Last Name Pilon

The surname Pilon is of French origin and derives from a professional occupation. It originally referred to someone who was a barber-surgeon, specializing in shaving and minor surgical procedures using wooden or ivory pili (latin for "hairpin" or "pestle"). Over time, it became a hereditary name passed down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pilon

The meaning and origin of the last name Pilon

The surname Pilon is primarily of French origin, stemming from the Old French word "pil" which means "skull" or "bald head." This name was often given to individuals who had a distinctive physical feature resembling a bald head, or it could have been used metaphorically to describe someone with a shaven head. Over time, the spelling of the surname evolved to Pilon in French-speaking regions and its variants in other languages. The name is prevalent in countries such as France, Canada, and the Caribbean islands, where it was brought by French settlers. In some cases, the name may also have been an occupational surname for a barber or wigmaker, derived from the same Old French root.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pilon

The surname Pilon is predominantly found in French-speaking regions, particularly in Quebec, Canada, due to its origin from Old French, meaning "chipper" or "carver." It also has significant presence in France, especially in the north-eastern region, and among French communities worldwide. In the United States, Pilon is most common in Louisiana, where it may have been influenced by French settlers. Smaller populations can be found in countries like Belgium, Haiti, and other former French colonies. The distribution reflects historical migratory patterns of the French-speaking population, particularly during the colonial era and later periods of immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pilon

The surname Pilon, originating from France, can appear with various spellings due to differences in translation, transcription, and regional dialects. Some common variants include: Pilone, Pillone, Piloune, Pillon, and Pyloun. It is also possible to find the name spelled as Pylyon or Pilons in certain contexts. The name's meaning is derived from the occupational term 'picolin', which refers to a mason or a stonecutter. In other languages, such as Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, similar names can be found with different origins, for example: Piñón (Spanish), Pinhão (Portuguese), and Pignone (Italian).

Famous people with the last name Pilon

Notable individuals with the surname Pilon include:

1. Rene Pilon (1930-2008), a French Olympic gold medalist alpine skier who won the slalom event at the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.

2. Jean-Claude Pilon (born 1942), a Canadian comics artist and illustrator best known for his collaborations with writer Jacques Tardi on works such as "The Arctic Blue" and "Le Vieux Nicolas."

3. Claude Pilon (born 1957), a French journalist, author, and politician who has served as the Mayor of Saint-Denis since 2008.

4. Guy Pilon (born 1962), a French football coach who managed teams like Paris Saint-Germain, Stade Rennais, and Toulouse FC in Ligue 1.

5. Danielle Pilon (born 1972), a Canadian television actress known for her roles on "Degrassi: The Next Generation" and "Heartland."

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, encompassing sports, art, politics, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Pilon

The surname Pilon, originating from France, is of occupational origin. It derives from the Old French word "pilot," meaning a wood-carver or sculptor. In some regions, it was also used as a nickname for someone with a round face, resembling a ball (pilote in French). The name spread to various parts of Europe during the Middle Ages due to migrations and the Crusades. In France, Pilon is most common in Normandy, while in other countries like Canada, it has a strong presence in Quebec, where many early settlers were French immigrants. Notable figures with this surname include Canadian artist Jean-Paul Riopelle, and Canadian politician Lucien Pilon. The family name Pilon can be traced back to several branches across Europe and North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pilon"
• 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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