Last Name Piriou

The surname Piriou is of Breton origin, specifically from the region of Brittany in France. It is derived from a number of places named Piriou in this region, such as Piriou-Plouescat and Piriou-Plouzévédé. Breton surnames often originate from place names, occupations, or personal characteristics. In the case of Piriou, it may have originally been a nickname for someone who lived near or worked at one of these locations bearing this name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Piriou

The meaning and origin of the last name Piriou

The surname Piriou is of Breton origin, derived from the French term "pierrot," which means "little stone" or "pearl" in French. This surname is predominantly found in Brittany, a region in northwestern France with a strong Celtic influence and distinct language and culture. The name may have been bestowed upon an individual who lived near a small rocky outcrop, or it could have been a nickname given to someone with fair complexion or a charming demeanor, reminiscent of the white stone often associated with pearls. Over time, the surname Piriou has spread beyond Brittany and is now found among Breton diaspora communities worldwide. The name reflects the rich history and cultural heritage of this unique region.

Geographical distribution of the last name Piriou

The surname Piriou is primarily concentrated in Brittany, a region in northwestern France. It is most frequently found in the Côtes-d'Armor department, particularly around Saint-Brieuc and Pléneuf-Val-André, where the Piriou family has historically resided. Additionally, smaller concentrations of the surname can be found in neighboring departments such as Ille-et-Vilaine and Finistère. Beyond Brittany, minimal occurrences of the name have been recorded in other parts of France and occasionally in French-speaking communities abroad, including Canada and Switzerland. The Piriou surname appears to have a strong regional association with the cultural identity and history of the Breton people.

Variants and spellings of the last name Piriou

The surname Piriou has various spelling variants, including Périou, Périer, Perioux, Periou, and Periow. These differences may be due to regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or individual preferences in spelling. The name is most commonly found in France, particularly in the region of Brittany, where it has a long history dating back centuries. Despite these variations, all forms of Piriou can be traced back to the same Breton roots, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and linguistic diversity of this area.

Famous people with the last name Piriou

The Piriou surname is associated with several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Jean-Pierre Piriou (born 1943), a French politician who served as a member of the National Assembly from 1988 to 2017, representing the Côtes-d'Armor department in Brittany, France. In the world of science, Marc Piriou is recognized for his contributions to the field of nuclear physics. He is a professor at the University of Paris and has published extensively on topics such as superconductivity and quantum computing. Another notable figure is Anne-Marie Piriou (born 1958), a French mathematician who specializes in combinatorics and graph theory. She has made significant contributions to the study of algebraic structures and is currently a professor at the Université de Lille in France. These are some of the notable individuals bearing the surname Piriou, each having made substantial contributions in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Piriou

The surname Piriou is primarily associated with France, particularly the regions of Brittany and Ille-et-Vilaine. Its origins can be traced back to medieval times, with the first recorded instances appearing in church records from the 14th century. One notable lineage includes the family of Pierre Piriou, a notary public in the town of Rennes during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Over time, variations such as Periou, Pérou, and Pierron have emerged as spelling variants due to regional dialects and transcription errors. Many descendants of this family emigrated from France in the 19th and 20th centuries, with a significant number settling in countries like Canada, the United States, and Australia. Genealogical research can be facilitated through records in these countries as well as French archives, including civil registration records, church records, and census data.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "piriou"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends