Last Name Poilpot

The surname Poilpot is of French origin. It is derived from a personal name, "Pouillet" or "Poulpot," which were diminutive forms of the given names Pierre (Peter) and Paul, respectively. Over time, these names evolved into the surnames Pouillot and Poulpot, and variations such as Poilpot appeared due to regional dialects and spelling changes.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Poilpot

The meaning and origin of the last name Poilpot

The surname Poilpot is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "poil," which means "hair" or "beard," and "pot," which means "container." It is believed that this surname may have originally been an occupational name for a barber, hairdresser, or someone who made and sold combs or other hair care items. Alternatively, it could have been a nickname for a person with a distinctive hairstyle or beard. The use of occupational names was common during the Middle Ages when people were identified by their profession, and nicknames were often given based on physical traits or characteristics. Today, the surname Poilpot is relatively uncommon outside of France and its former territories.

Geographical distribution of the last name Poilpot

The last name Poilpot is primarily concentrated in France, with a significant number of bearers residing in regions such as Burgundy and Franche-Comté. It also has a presence in other French-speaking areas like Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada, particularly Quebec. There are also instances of the name appearing in Luxembourg and a few individuals in the United States who claim French descent. The distribution of this surname suggests a historical association with the Gallo-Romance speaking population, likely originating from regions that were part of the Roman Empire or its subsequent influence in what is now modern France. However, it's important to note that the exact origins and migrations of the Poilpot family remain to be definitively traced due to limited historical records available.

Variants and spellings of the last name Poilpot

The surname Poilpot has several variations and spellings. One such spelling is Poulot, which originates from France and is often found among French-speaking populations. Another variation is Poolott, which may be found in English-speaking countries due to anglicization or typographical errors over time. A less common variant is Polpot, which could result from misspellings, typos, or regional pronunciation differences. The surname can also be found as Polpet, with the "o" replaced by an "a", and Poulpotte, a feminine form of the name. Additionally, there may exist alternative spellings due to migration and assimilation, such as Pouliot or Pulot. However, it is essential to note that the correct spelling can vary depending on specific families' origins and historical records.

Famous people with the last name Poilpot

Notable individuals with the surname Poitras include:

1. Laurie Poitras, an American documentary filmmaker, journalist, and artist. She is best known for her investigative documentaries like "My Country, My Country" (2006), "The Oath" (2010), and "Citizenfour" (2014) which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2015.

2. Pierre Joseph Poirier, a French-Canadian composer, violinist, and music teacher. He is known for his contributions to Canadian music during the Romantic era, particularly for his violin concertos and symphonies.

3. Jean Poiret, a French actor, playwright, and screenwriter. He gained international recognition for his role in "Les Vacances de M. Hulot" (1953), a classic film in the French New Wave movement.

4. Jacques Poitras, a Canadian political scientist and professor at the University of Ottawa. He has made significant contributions to the study of federalism, intergovernmental relations, and constitutional law.

Genealogical research on the last name Poilpot

The surname Poilpot is believed to have originated in France, specifically in the region of Normandy. It is derived from the Old French "poule pot," meaning "pot of chicken." This suggests that an early bearer of the name may have been a poultry farmer or seller. The name first appears in records during the late Middle Ages, with one Guillaume Poilpot recorded in the Normandy census of 1371. Over time, the spelling of the surname evolved to variations such as Poulpot, Polpot, and Poillot. Notable individuals bearing the name include Jean Poilpot, a French painter active in the 16th century, and Louis Poilpot, a French resistance fighter during World War II. The Poilpot family has also been traced to various regions of France, including Brittany, Picardy, and Lorraine. Today, the surname is found primarily in France, but there are also significant populations in Canada, the United States, and Australia, due to French colonization and immigration.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "poilpot"
• 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

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