Last Name Piochaud

The surname Piochaud is believed to have French origins. It is derived from a place name, likely "Poye-Chaud" in Normandy, France, which means "hot marsh". This type of surname is known as a locative surname, meaning it was originally used as a nickname for someone who came from a specific place. However, it's important to note that surnames often undergo changes during transmission over generations and geographical migration, so the exact origin might vary depending on different family histories.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Piochaud

The meaning and origin of the last name Piochaud

The surname Piochaud is of French origin, specifically from the region of Savoie in southeastern France. It is derived from a place name, indicating that an individual once lived there. The name itself is thought to have originated from the Old Provencal word "piu" meaning 'pine' or 'wood', and "aud," meaning 'stream'. Thus, Piochaud could be interpreted as 'stream near the pines' or 'pond in a pine wood'. Like many surnames of the Middle Ages, it was originally a nickname or occupational name for someone who lived by such a stream or worked with pines. The migration and dispersal of people with this surname occurred during the population movements of the 17th century, resulting in its spread throughout France and beyond.

Geographical distribution of the last name Piochaud

The surname Piochaud is predominantly found in France, with the majority of its occurrences concentrated in the west-central region, particularly in the department of Indre et Loire, where it originated from the town of Montbazon. However, it is also present in neighboring departments such as Loir-et-Cher and Vienne. The surname has a relatively low frequency compared to other French last names, but it maintains a consistent presence across these regions. Historically, the Piochaud family can be traced back to the 16th century in France. A significant proportion of bearers of this name are believed to have emigrated to Canada, specifically to Quebec, during the 17th and 18th centuries as part of the French colonization efforts. In recent times, there is a growing diaspora of Piochauds in various countries, including the United States, due to migration flows over the past few centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Piochaud

The surname Piochaud has several variations and spellings due to transcription errors and regional dialects over time. Some common variants include Pichaut, Picot, Piocheau, and Piot. These variations may stem from slight misspellings or alterations in pronunciation as families migrated and settled in different regions. Additionally, some ancestors might have intentionally changed their surnames for various reasons such as assimilation or escaping persecution. It is essential to note that these changes can make genealogical research challenging but also add an interesting layer to family history. In any case, all these variations can be traced back to the original French name, likely derived from occupational roots related to professions involving wooden objects or tools.

Famous people with the last name Piochaud

Notable individuals with the surname Piochaud include:

1. Yves Piochard (born 1942), a French former footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as Olympique de Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as the France national team.

2. Émile Piochaud (1876-1953), a French politician who served as a deputy in the National Assembly from 1924 to 1936, representing the Loire department.

3. Maurice Piochard (1880-1945), a French military officer who served during World War I and was awarded the Croix de Guerre and the Legion of Honor for his service.

4. Jacques Piochaud (born 1946), a French former basketball player who played professionally in France and Spain, and represented France at the 1973 Mediterranean Games.

Genealogical research on the last name Piochaud

The Piochaud surname is believed to have originated from France, specifically the region of Poitou, where the name was found in records dating back to the 13th century. The original spelling variations include Pichot, Piot, and Pioche. One notable bearer of this name was Guillaume Piochaud, a French politician who served as a member of the National Assembly during the French Revolution. In Canada, the name Piochaud is more commonly found in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario, with many descendants tracing their roots to Acadia. In the United States, the name is most prevalent in Louisiana and other states along the Gulf Coast, where many Piochauds are thought to have emigrated from Canada in the 18th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "piochaud"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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